Keith Bielema, elder-care coordinator at the Kendall County Health Department, recently retired and received accolades from his colleagues at the Kendall County Interagency Council (KCIC) meeting for 21 years of service to seniors.
He developed the Health Department’s Transitions Program for seniors, to help older adults through new stages of life. He was a frequent fixture at the Beecher Center in Yorkville and the Oswego Senior Center. “He was my mentor,” said Melissa Creamer, Kendall/Grundy community action director.
“Keith has a great kindness for all of our seniors,” said Diane Beukelman, outreach coordinator at the Oswego Senior Center. He has done so much for us, helping us move through the years and being part of our Lighthouse Program. A Kendall Grundy Community Action co-worker thanked Keith for being there and helping her through a bout with cancer.
Elder Law attorney John Wyeth quoted scripture by saying, “In James 3, it speaks of wisdom. Keith is that person of wisdom, bringing peace and calm to every situation.” Meanwhile, Steve Curatti, assistant executive director of the Kendall County Health Department said, “Keith is always quick to the draw. We can always rely and depend on him. He is deeply passionate in his care for our elders, and we are very thankful for his example and service.”
Rae Ann Van Gundy, executive director at Kendall County Health Department agreed. She remembers starting her career alongside Keith at the old Pamida building site, and said she always considered Keith a great friend. The two shared a hearty laugh over moving from paper files to electronic records for their seniors, and she added, “Keith always hated the paperwork. He wanted to spend his time with the clients.”
Diane Alford, retired director of Kendall Grundy Community Action returned to see her good friend off to retirement and offered her congratulations. She commented, “There are few people in the world who are willing to go out of their way to help. I remember Keith and I putting on our booties to wade into a hoarder’s home to help clean. Few people would be willing to go that extra step to help. Keith is one of those people.”
Among those in attendance was Kendall County Board chairman Scott Gryder who made it a special point to visit the Interagency Council meeting to express his thanks to Keith. “Your reputation precedes you and you are known throughout the County for someone who gets things done. On behalf of the people of Kendall County I want to thank you for being there for our seniors.”
His fellow professionals from across the counties of Will, Kendall, Grundy, and LaSalle offered congratulations, as they shared stories, memories, and impressions, of their kind and generous colleague.
Keith was surprised. He attended not knowing that he was to be the main subject of the monthly meeting’s agenda. Keith thanked everyone for their kindness and shared that his future plans include a big bulletin board of post its, which he plans to gaze at each morning and then decide which adventure to pursue for that day. He is looking forward to just being Grandpa and living in the moment. But he added his thoughts.
“This (drawing his hands round about the room), this community thing, it is very important. Years before our Kendall County Senior Providers (KCSP) began, I can remember Identa Austin in the room working on a senior grant. She was a powerhouse for our seniors. KSCP and this KCIC are keeping that momentum going,’ he said. “I feel I have had the best job in this building (the Health Department). People come and people go. There are new faces around this room who will not remember me, but the important thing is that you keep this rolling.”
Keith will be greatly missed by his coworkers, colleagues, and friends, but none more so than the seniors he has helped throughout the years. Bon Chance Keith, and Thank you!
Barb Nadeau is the Community Relations manager for the Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois, representing five counties. Barb has worked many years as a professional television and radio host, as well as a print and social media journalist, and as a volunteer coordination professional, networking amongst non-profit social service agencies throughout Illinois. She is a freelance writer and an elected alderman in the city government of Plano. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.