By Howard Packowitz
NORMAL – Former Normal Parks and Recreation Director Ron Blemler, who died Tuesday, was not a big man, but town leaders speak of him as a giant for improving Normal’s quality of life.
Wednesday night, Mayor Chris Koos led the town council in a moment of silence for Blemler, who led the Parks and Rec department for 33 years until his retirement in 2002.
Blemler’s dream of a municipal golf course and community meeting place became a reality with the creation of the Ironwood course and clubhouse.
City Manager Mark Peterson said Blemler and Dan Highland organized the 1994 World Women’s Softball Tournament at Maxwell Park, an event that featured players who became stars two-years later at the Atlanta Olympics.
“Constitution Train happened under Ron’s supervision. Fairview Family Aquatic Center, Champion Fields, Ironwood Golf Course, you could go on and on,” said Peterson.
“Most all of our major park facilities were first developed during Ron’s tenure.”
It’s fitting, said Peterson, that Blemler passed away on the Fourth of July, his favorite holiday. Blemler supervised all the events at Fairview Park, including the fireworks. That was “his baby,” Peterson said.
Blemler leaves behind his wife, Sandy, three children and four grandchildren. Ron Blemler was 74.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
