Former Mayor Joel Kagann Passes Away

Story updated at 4:10 p.m. Friday:

Former Woodridge mayor Joel Kagann died Thursday, Feb. 7, village officials announced Friday. Kagann was born Sept. 16, 1936.

Visitation is set for Monday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Blake Lamb Funeral Home at 5015 Lincoln Ave. in Lisle.

Visitation will also take place Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Scholastica Parish at 7800 Janes Ave. in Woodridge, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at St. Scholastica.

Here's the text of the village's original press release: 

The Woodridge Community has experience a great loss in the passing of Joel Kagann, longtime resident and contributor to the Woodridge community.  Affectionately known as “Mr. Woodridge”, Joel served a storied career with the Village of Woodridge, first as the Village’s Chief of Police from 1962 until 1971, then as Mayor from 1973 to 1977, and Village Clerk from 1979 until 1981.  He subsequently was selected as a member and President of the Police Pension Board from 1990 until 2008.  During this time he served for 31 years as the Clerk of the 18th Judicial Court until his retirement in 2004. 

He continued his long career of contributing to the community through his involvement in the Boy Scouts, Lions Club, and serving as President of the Woodridge Special Events Committee.  In 2000 Joel and his wife Laurie were selected as co-recipients of Woodridge’s prestigious Building on Our Dream Award for their significant contributions in crafting the community of Woodridge.  The award spoke to their enduring spirit and years of devoted public service.  In 2009, on the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of Woodridge, Town Centre plaza was re-dedicated as Kagann Plaza in recognition of Joel’s and Laurie’s contributions to the community. 

Joel and Laurie raised both of their children in Woodridge and son Joseph currently serves as a Trustee on the Village Board.  Mayor William F. Murphy shared, “Joel Kagann truly was ‘Mr. Woodridge’ and his legacy is enduring.  We have lost a true leader and will remember him for the myriad ways he shaped the Woodridge community.” 

In recognition of Joel Kagann’s passing, all Village of Woodridge flags have been lowered to half-staff.