Palatine woman worked tirelessly to help the disabled live independently

A Rolling Meadows agency that works to empower persons with disabilities to live independently has lost one of its driving forces.

Geanie Kuehnau of Palatine, a former volunteer coordinator with Resources for Community Living, passed away on Christmas. She was 66.

“Her tireless energy, warmth and charisma were evident in all her contributions as a volunteer and as a friend,” said Robert Walsh, the agency’s executive director. “She possessed a quality of perseverance and determination, without regard for what were at times overwhelming barriers.”

The agency began 20 years ago in Mount Prospect, to provide shared housing options and a support system for adults with disabilities seeking greater independence.

They specifically sought to serve adults with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities. Some of their diagnoses, Walsh says, include autism, Down syndrome, Asperger syndrome, seizure disorders, brain injury and learning disabilities.

In more recent years, its mission has broadened to offer a one-on-one program of support, including housing assistance, vocational services and opportunities for social interaction.

Kuehnau discovered its mission first hand in 1996, when Resources matched her son, Kenny, with two other adults from the Northwest suburbs, and helped them to live independently in an apartment.

From that moment, Kuehnau threw herself into volunteering for the agency. She organized many of its biannual benefits, including its gala and spring fashion show, and eventually took on the role of volunteer coordinator.

Kuehnau also enjoyed spending time with clients and bringing them together, officials say. She assisted in the client social activities program and in Resources’ parties and picnics.

“Geanie’s leadership role in organizing many of our events was vital to our survival during this time of what seems to be never-ending state cutbacks,” Walsh said.

One of her greatest thrills, agency officials say, was celebrating with a client from Resources at a 1998 gala, after the organization partnered with Project Ground Floor to help the client purchase her own condominium.

“Her enthusiasm for bringing true independence to disabled adults inspired many outstanding people to join us as volunteer, which was the best gift you can give an agency like ours,” Walsh added 

Besides her son, Kuehnau is survived by her husband, Kenneth, and daughters Sandra (Mark) Meyer, and Deborah (Leslie DeMonte) Kuehnau; as well as three grandchildren.

Services have been held.