Updated 6/23/2021 7:19 PM
Robert Bob Kling of Roselle was known for being frugal, except when it came to surprising those close to him with special gifts.
On Wednesday, Kling was celebrated by family and friends and saluted for his bequests totaling $1.1 million to institutions he loved in the village where he lived.
Kling died Feb. 10 of COVID-19-related symptoms at age 93. He was never married and had no children.
Kling left $500,000 to the Roselle Park District, $250,000 to the Roselle Public Library Foundation, $250,000 to the Roselle History Museum, and $100,000 to the Bridge Communities (Stepping Stones).
Kling also donated about $400,000 to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.
Updated 3/8/2021 7:38 PM
Hundreds of senior citizens, some riding in wheelchairs, lined up at the Itasca Park District Fitness Center on Monday to receive their first COVID-19 vaccines.
The average age of the 800 recipients was 76, including two Ethel Schwolow and Josephina Suazo who were 100 years old.
Everything was handled professionally, Schwolow said after receiving her vaccine. It all moved perfectly, and nobody wasted any time. I am happy to receive it and I feel great right now.
The Itasca Park District led the event. Volunteers from Itasca Community Library and the Roselle, Bloomingdale, Medinah, and Wood Dale park districts coordinated with each other in the effort and to help with the site s operations.