Richard Klemm, Class of 1950

State Sen. Dick Klemm has served with distinction in the Illinois General Assembly since 1980, representing his McHenry County, Illinois district.

After graduation from Taft, he earned his degree in Engineering from Purdue University and then served in the Korean War. He joined his father’s manufacturing company, Food Warming Equipment Co., Inc., and is now president and chairman of the board. He holds five U.S. patents.

Sen. Klemm served several positions in Nunda Township government, was president of the District 46 Board of Education, and chairman of the McHenry County Board. Under his leadership the first developer donation ordinance was passed to preserve farmland and control growth. He chaired the first McHenry County Economic Development Committee.

First elected as a state representative, he now serves the 32nd District as state senator. Sen. Klemm has been an advocate for senior citizens, Illinois veterans and environmental preservation. He chairs the Senate Executive Committee, co-chairs Legislative Printing Unit and is a member of the Local Government Elections and the Commerce and Industry committees.

In 2003, Centegra Health System presented Sen. Klemm with the Centegra Community Leader Award, given to individuals who have demonstrated service on a broad scale that has resulted in improvements and contributions in the realm of community service and overall community health.

Sen. Klemm and his wife, Nancy, live in Crystal Lake. They have seven children and numerous grandchildren.