Bloomingdale Township clerk remembered for service to community
Joyce Hundhausen didn't hesitate to give up her voting powers as a Bloomingdale Township trustee to take over as the township's clerk three years ago.
"Clerk is not a glamorous position, but you do get to interact with people more in that job and Joyce was definitely a people person," Bloomingdale Township Supervisor Michael Hovde Jr. said. "She liked being around people, so this wasn't about politics, it was about camaraderie."
The longtime public servant is remembered for her warm personality and lifetime of charitable outreach after dying on Christmas Eve following a brief hospitalization.
The 66-year-old Hundhausen was appointed to the township clerk's post in 2016 and won election to the seat a year later. She had served as a township trustee for 15 years, winning her first term in 2001. Affable and outgoing, colleagues on the board and co-workers said she was the person to go to in order to get things done.
A cancer survivor, Hundhausen organized multiple fundraisers for the American Cancer Society as well.
"She liked giving back to the community, either through the American Cancer Society or public service and her efforts and the commitment to all of those things will be greatly missed," Hovde said.
The township board will have 60 days to appoint her replacement. Hovde said the process of replacing Hundhausen will be hashed out in the coming weeks.
Hundhausen moved to Carol Stream with her family in 1984 and long had been active in Republican political activities in the area. She had served on the Carol Stream planning and zoning board prior to running for township office.
She also served as Bloomingdale Village President Franco Coladipietro's legislative aide when he served in Springfield as a state representative.
"She became a very good friend and was just a very sweet person," Coladipietro said. "She always added such a personal touch to all of her interactions with people and that was one of the things that really endeared her to me."
John Dabrowski, chairman of the Bloomingdale Township GOP, said Hundhausen always put people ahead of politics.
"She was very passionate about giving back to her community," he said. "Some people just give money, but Joyce gave her time and energy too."
She was preceded in death by her husband William. She is survived by a daughter and brother.
Visitation is scheduled for 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at Salerno's Rosedale Chapels at 450 W. Lake St. in Roselle. Funeral services are slated for 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.