The city of West Chicago may be losing two of its finest public servants come May, though their impression will last on the landscape for years to come.
After 32 years both Dave Thomas and Peggy Krauch have decided to pull the plug on their successful careers with the West Chicago Park District. The pair have literally spent a lifetime together.
They first started with the Park District in 1975, Krauch joining the district as program director and Thomas as superintendent of recreation. Krauch’s job evolved throughout the years, and she eventually was named the superintendent of recreation. Thomas was awarded the honor of his current position as director in 1979.
“Dave may have been my boss,” Krauch admitted. “But over the years, I never let him forget that I do have eight months on him. I started in January of ‘75. Dave didn’t show his lovely face until August of ‘75.”
Thomas received his bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation from Western Illinois University in 1970. Between then and joining the district, Thomas spent time in the military. After being drafted into the U.S. Army, the big brass felt Thomas’s educational background could be utilized in a better way than strapping on camouflage and carrying a rifle. He was assigned to over look the recreation facilities at Fort Greely, Alaska, where the military trained special forces in winter survival and combat.
Krauch attended Southern Illinois University, where she majored in child development and education. She started down the recreational pathway as a recreation coordinator in Marinette, Wis. While there she was credited with developing a highly successful and popular after-school program.
Over the years both Krauch and Thomas worked to serve their public to best of their abilities. Each is credited with quite a few notable accomplishments.
“I’ve always run with a philosophy that quality is much better than quantity. I feel the better public is better served with fewer but exemplary programs and actualities rather than a bunch of haphazard, let’s just fill the pages in the catalog type of affairs,” Thomas said.
One such project that Thomas feels was a high point in his career was the development of Prairie Oaks Family Aquatic Center, which carries the distinction of being considered one of the finest municipal swimming complexes in the state. The site offers an adult hot tub, 12-foot water fall, slides, zero depth entry — and that’s just tip of the iceberg.
“Shortly after completing the swimming complex I overheard someone saying that this place is too good for West Chicago. I was taken back by the comment. How could any public offering be too good for a community? I guess it can all come down to one’s frame of mind. Mine being if you’re going to do it, do it right.”
Krauch, on the other hand, felt that the work with the seniors in the community is one of her accomplishments.
“I’ve always felt that our seniors need to get out, about and away from their typical daily routine. Why sit around playing bingo when there are so many activities out there that they could be doing to keep, at least, in a younger frame of mind?"
Krauch was actually admonished by a resident who caught wind of a program his elderly mother had participated in.
“I packed them up on a bus and took them to Ferrel’s in Woodfield for ice cream. The ticket to ride being party hats and balloons. No balloon, no party hat, no ice cream,” she said.
Thomas plans on retiring to Wisconsin where he owns a piece of real estate, not to mention a Larson 18-foot bass boat.
“I intend to do a lot of fishing,” he said.
It will not be all play and no work. Thomas designs and builds his own furniture, which he sells through specialty shops located throughout Wisconsin.
Krauch says she is going to start out by simply resting for a bit. Born and raised in West Chicago, she has no intentions of leaving any time soon. Eventually she plans to do some volunteer work for the community, possibly in the city’s museum.
“I’m going to need a little time. Although I am ready to pack it up here and move on, this was a difficult choice to make. I've been here 32 years; these people are my family. This place is my home,” Krauch said through tears.
The Park District staff is going to feel the loss of the Thomas and Krauch as well.
“They are almost like parental figures for us here, very inspirational. Whatever happens and wherever they go I do hope all of our paths meet again. We'll miss them dearly,” said Park District employee Anna Rosalez.
