Funeral Set For High-Ranking Will County Government Official

JOLIET, IL — Bruce Tidwell, Will County's long-time director of human resources, died last week. He was 59. Will County officials said Tidwell's death was unexpected.

"We have lost an important member of our Will County family today," Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant said in a statement. "We are giving our staff time to process and grieve his loss. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time."

No cause of death has been announced.

According to Will County, Tidwell began working for Will County in January 2002. Prior to his hiring, Tidwell worked for MetLife.

Tidwell's first job with Will County was insurance director. When that department merged into the human resources department, Tidwell's job title became employee benefits director.

In November 2003, Tidwell was promoted to director of human resources, the position he held until his death.

According to Kurtz Memorial Chapel, "Bruce loved animals. His first job, while still in high school, was working at a pet shop in Evergreen Park, Illinois; and over the years, he owned several dogs and cats. He is survived by his three constant companions: Delilah, his 11-year-old Maltese/Chihuahua; Talullah, his 9-year-old Chihuahua; and Beulah, his 5-year-old Chihuahua."

Over the years, Tidwell attended several music concerts notably Dave Matthews Band. Some of his favorite places to travel included Israel, Rome, Paris, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Disney theme parks, his obituary noted.

"He was a devoted father who raised his two sons, Bradley and Ryan, and he delighted in his role as 'Poppa T' to his grandchildren," the funeral home noted.

According to Kurtz Funeral Chapel, Tidwell's visitation will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by a memorial service on Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Joliet First Assembly, 1741 Essington Road.