'Tireless Volunteer And Leader' Named Batavia Citizen Of The Year

BATAVIA, IL — A "tireless volunteer and leader" with a passion for history and commitment to guiding students to become strong leaders was chosen as the 2021 Batavia Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.

Daniel "Dan" Hoefler, who first moved to Batavia, his wife's hometown, in 1975, will be honored at the Chamber's Inspire 2022: A Celebration of Those Who Inspire Us event Jan. 27.

Not long after moving to the city, he began volunteering on the Batavia Bicentennial Committee, which led to his participation in Loyalty Day activities and parade, both offshoots of the committee. Hoefler was elected alderman of the third ward in 1977, serving one term before moving downstate to work as a school principal for three years.

As a member of the Batavia Historical Society — where he currently serves as president of the board of directors — and Batavia Depot Expansion Committee, the Batavia resident has a love of history and government that shines in what he chooses to do, according to a Thursday news release.

"He’s always been at the frontline of community activities since he first moved here," Mayor Jeffery Schielke said in a statement, where he also called him "a really good friend to Batavia." "Many times, he was behind the scenes, but he’s always been a respected worker involved with many activities. He has certainly shown his love and passion for the community and for good government."

Hoefler has also served as National Honor Society advisor and has worked with groups including Batavia Rotary Club, Batavia Youth Baseball, Batavia and Marmion Sports Boosters, Batavia Boy Scouts Troop 43, Batavia Access Television (BATV), and Books Between Bites, where he's a presenter.

"Dan's volunteerism and successful efforts to preserve Batavia’s heritage make him a truly deserving recipient of Batavia’s highest honor," said one of the nine testimonials submitted about Hoefler.

As an educator, Hoefler spent the bulk of his career at the Oswego School District, from where he retired in 2010. There, he held several roles, including history and government teacher, department head, assistant principal and principal. While with the district, he helped with referendums and was elected president of the district's teachers association.

One of Hoefler's most meaningful roles was serving as an advisor for the National Honor Society — even being named Advisor of the Year at one point, according to the Chamber of Commerce.

"According to Dan, advising students was of major importance to him, promoting volunteerism so they learn that service to others should be a lifelong ambition," the release reads.

As a result of his work with the Oswego School District, Hoefler was inducted into the Oswego High School Hall of Fame earlier this fall.

"He is a 'do as I do' person, meaning he is always one of the first to commit to a project," Tony Winter, a member of the Batavia Rotary Club, said in a statement. "Then, he works hard to engage others in an effective manner."

He continued. "I don’t know where he gets his energy, but he’s like the Energizer Bunny and just keeps going. I know I am not alone when I say that Batavia is a much better community because of Dan."

The awards ceremony will take place Jan. 27 at the Lincoln Inn Banquets, 1345 S. Batavia Ave. Tickets to the event, starting at 6 p.m., can be purchased on the Chamber's website. Admission is $55 for Chamber members and $65 for non-members.

(For more news and information like this, subscribe to the Batavia Patch for free. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. Don't forget to like us on Facebook!)