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ST. CHARLES – John Wredling wasn't an ordinary educator. Those who knew the 101-year-old World War II veteran and former St. Charles School District 303 superintendent said he left such an indelible mark on the community that his legacy will endure despite his death Saturday.
“It will last for another century, for sure,” District 303 Superintendent Don Schlomann said. “His leadership built the foundation of excellence that we still have today.”
Born March 16, 1914, Wredling assumed leadership roles in education following his service in the United States Army Air Forces in the 1940s, according to a resolution by the Illinois House of Representatives in celebration of his 100th birthday.
He led District 303 from 1958 to 1972 – a period of rapid growth – and later became Wredling Middle School’s namesake.
Wredling not only celebrated his birthday with the students but also led the school in the Pledge of Allegiance on the first day of school – a tradition he continued this year.
A school newsletter dated Aug. 21 noted his visit, indicating Wredling was “all smiles and in good spirits” and many students had the opportunity to speak with him.
“How fortunate we are that, at 101 years old, Mr. Wredling is able to continue sharing his time with us!” the newsletter stated.
His contribution to the area wasn't limited to the schools. He also was active in the Boy Scouts and the St. Charles Noon Rotary Club and was a charter member of St. Charles VFW Post 5036.
“The community came first with John,” former St. Charles Alderman Jim Martin said.
Dick Leckbee of the St. Charles VFW expressed similar sentiments.
“John was there whenever anybody needed him,” he said, calling Wredling an “extraordinary” person. “He was everybody’s friend.”
In 1997, the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce honored Wredling with the prestigious Charlemagne Award for his continuing history of service. And, in 2014, the Downtown St. Charles Partnership invited him to act as the grand marshal for the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
However, the spotlight wasn’t his motivation, his longtime friend, Bert Eisenhour said.
“He did this without any expectation of big rewards,” Eisenhour said, describing Wredling as a “glowing example of what America’s all about.”
He noted Wredling wore a neck brace in recent years because of an illness he miraculously recovered from, given his age. During his recovery, Eisenhour said, Wredling would say how he looked forward to driving again.
“He was a positive thinker, definitely,” Eisenhour said, “not a pessimist at all.”
Schlomann expects the school district – and Wredling Middle School – will honor the late educator, but no plans were in place as of Monday.
Personally, Schlomann said, he will miss Wredling a lot. He said he keeps one of the red T-shirts commemorating Wredling’s 100th birthday next to his desk to remind himself about what’s important in the district – the foundation Wredling built.
“People recognized that the values he held were ones that built our community and will continue to represent our community for a long time,” Schlomann said.