Former Westmont Mayor Bill Rahn dies at 71

Editor’s note: Story was updated Nov. 13 to correct error in location of service.

Former Westmont Mayor William Rahn died on Monday from complications of a fall at home, officials said.

Rahn, 71, served as mayor of Westmont from 1999 until his retirement earlier this year, but he had spent more than 30 years as an elected official, said Larry McIntyre, village communications director.

The longtime public official was known to many in the village as simply “Mayor Bill.”

An autopsy performed Tuesday ruled Rahn’s death accidental and said it was caused by complications of a pelvic fracture from a fall at home, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

Before being elected mayor, Rahn served as a trustee and as a member of both the planning and zoning commission, as well as the cable commission. According to ABC 7, Rahn was also a founding member of the Westmont Historical Society, as well as a lifetime member of the Westmont Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce.

McIntyre said Rahn spent his entire life in Westmont except when he was away at college.

“He was not only a great community leader, but he deeply cared about the residents and was equally a wonderful and loving family man,” McIntyre said. “His contributions cannot be measured and his impact will be felt in the community for years to come. We will miss him greatly.

Rahn leaves behind his wife, three children and several grandchildren. A wake will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Ave. in Downers Grove. Rahn will lie in repose on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1047 Curtiss Street in Downers Grove. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. and immediately following there will be a reception at the Westmont Knights of Columbus, 25 N. Cass Ave.

Officials said a scholarship fund will be developed in Rahn’s memory.