Longtime Rock Falls leader, the late Glen Kuhlemier, a Modern Woodmen 2020 Hometown Hero

ROCK FALLS – Glen Kuhlemier was named a Modern Woodmen of America 2020 Hometown Hero.

Kuhlemier, a Rock Falls alderman and two-time mayor who died May 19 at the age of 85, earned this recognition for his outstanding exemplary service in the Rock Falls community. The Rock Falls River Development Authority, of which he was a member, received a donation in his name for the achievement.

Khulemier was a tireless worker, always willing to participate and help the RRDA in anyway with events or where ever he was needed, the organization said in a news release announcing the award

He believed the Hennepin Canal and Rock river to be Rock Falls greatest asset, and his dedication to making his community the very best it could be symbolized him as a No. 1 supporter, which is why he often was referred to as "Mr. Rock Falls, the release said.

He was involved in various Rock Falls’ leadership positions since the early 1970s, including 8 years as mayor, from 1983 until 1987, and from 1993 until 1997; and 17 as an alderman, from 1971 until 1979, and from 2003 until his death.

He also was the Whiteside County representative to and secretary and treasurer for the Blackhawk Hills Regional Council, a Rock Falls-based nonprofit planning commission that also covers Lee, Carroll, Ogle, Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties. He had been on that board for 2 decades.

Glen’s Garden Subdivision is named for Kuhlemier, who worked for many years to acquire the 67-acre parcel of farmland for the city to develop.

Kuhlemier also had a more-than-30-year career with the U.S. Postal Service that began in 1955, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.