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‘True professional’: Election officers mourn loss of Bloomington Election Commission director Luke Stremlau

Luke Stremlau was named executive director of the Bloomington Election Commission in September 2022.
Braden Fogerson
/
WGLT
Luke Stremlau was executive director of the Bloomington Election Commission.

Election officials in McLean County are paying tribute after learning of the unexpected death of Bloomington Election Commission Executive Director Luke Stremlau.

Streamlau, 42, of Normal, died Saturday after a brief illness.

Bloomington Election commissioner Terry Luce said the commission is “very saddened by his loss."

“Luke loved the Bloomington Election Commission and what we stood for. He worked hard to help us maintain the integrity of the elections for the voters,” Luce said in a statement to WGLT.

Fellow commissioner Jim Fruin called Stremlau a “true professional” and a “true gentleman.”

“He was thorough and meticulous in everything he touched. He always stressed teamwork with his staff and valued their consistency and relationships with each other. He took his responsibility to the public very seriously and was a rule follower who did not take shortcuts,” said Fruin.

McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael, whose office oversees elections outside of Bloomington, noted her office worked regularly with Stremlau.

“We are heartbroken for his family, friends, and staff at BEC. We at the McLean County Clerk’s office and all of McLean County, are here for you,” Michael said in a post to social media.

Stremlau was named the commission’s executive director in September 2022. He previously worked as Keplr Vision in Bloomington and earned an associate’s degree from Heartland Community College, according to the commission.

The office administers all voting operations in the City of Bloomington, including registering voters, maintaining voter registration records, recruiting and training election judges, securing polling places and tabulating and publishing election results.

The commission is governed by three commissioners appointed by the 11th Judicial Circuit.

Luce said the commission will discuss its next steps at is monthly board meeting on Monday.

Eric Stock is the News Director at WGLT. You can contact Eric at ejstoc1@ilstu.edu.