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2012 Hall of Fame Inductees
The inductees are:
- Community Service: Norma Ruth Jenkins Fink, Carthage
- Education: Edmund Kueker, Waterloo
- Labor Force: James Earl Hobson, Chicago
- Performance & Graphic Arts: Antoinette Boyer Graff, Murphysboro
Community Service - Norma Ruth Jenkins Fink
Fink has devoted her life to giving to others. According to her nomination, if there is a cause, she will find a way to help. Carthage is a small, rural community and volunteer assistance is vital to most endeavors. Fink understands that and works to fight hunger, support the needs of the military, and help in her community including the countless volunteer hours in churches and schools.
Education - Edmund Kueker
Kueker, who is known as "Colonel," is an example of living life to the fullest. He is a World War II veteran, former Monroe County farm advisor, an auctioneer, 4-H volunteer leader, a collector, tour guide, artist and an author of ten books. His books vividly detail local history, the western way of life, and horsemanship. He often says, "Kids will never know what any of this stuff is if no one saves it for them." He began writing his eleventh book at age 85.
Labor Force - James Earl Hobson
Hobson is credited for his long and difficult work to transform Garfield Park into a beautiful and safe environment on the west side of Chicago. In addition, he is well known for hosting a basketball and boxing program that benefits high school and neighborhood teams. Hobson has won many awards from Cook County, and the City of Chicago for his dedication and supervision at Garfield Park.
Performance & Graphic Arts - Antoinette Boyer Graff
Graff's life is filled with experiences like going to work at a shoe factory after graduating from grade school, to driving tractors and forklifts on an Army base while her husband was stationed in New York. But at 94 she is still the leader of a senior citizen band that performs at nursing homes, churches and Illinois State Fairs. Graff also writes a column in the Murphysboro American Newspaper.
Contact
For more information on the Senior Illinois Hall of Fame, contact the Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine.
