IL SR1057

Memorializes Galen L. Gockel of Oak Park, who died on January 21, 2024 at age 91

Gockel earned a Bachelor of Arts from University of Valparaiso in 1953, served as a naval officer, and earned a Master of Arts in Social Work and Ph.D. in Sociology from University of Chicago in 1971

Participated in the Freedom Summer project of 1964 for voter registration and collaborated with civil rights leaders including Bayard Rustin and Fannie Lou Hamer

Served on the District 97 School Board, worked to integrate Oak Park schools, founded the Oak Park Farmer's Market in 1976, co-founded the Wednesday Journal community newspaper in 1980, and served as township assessor from 1993 to 2001

Elected to the Village Board of Oak Park in 2001 and served as CEO of Festival Theater, establishing the Galen Gockel Internship Fund for theater students