Chris M. Stevens

Reuben G. Soderstrom. The remarkable journey of his life—82 years a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, 18 years as a state representative, and 40 years as president of organized labor in Illinois - illustrates how effort, ability, and vision propel a person past the visible horizon.

Leaders reach beyond the boundary. They possess the ability to identify the limitations of the environment. Then when those borders hindered or hurt people, “Rube” found a way to improve, or remove the damaging limitation from the daily life of those who toil.

Did Rube look where he was going? Nope. Rube would go where he was looking. The focus forward provided him the ability to reach for the handle on the doors of opportunity while most where still searching for the opening in the wall. Rube, rose to the top of his profession through dogged determination and a dedication to lifelong learning. Not a day went by that Rube failed to learn something new. A voracious reader, lent him the skill of writer. Throughout his years in public life Rube penned many an article and essay. Never once did he shy away from confronting the troubles of the time.

Solution. A word revered by Rube. A man of many words and world class orator, yet, his lifetime reflects tangible achievements. Having been a full-time worker in a blacksmith shop at the age of nine, first-hand experience drove Rube to first and foremost ensure children left the mines, mills and factory floors in order to attend school.

While wearing the reputation as a public servant, elected official and effective leader, Rube’s family never sat in the back seat. Not only did he make all but a handful of Sunday family dinners, Rube paid the expenses for his mother and sister following his father’s death.

What I have learned on this multi-year journey as a writer? Reuben G. Soderstrom provided a bulk of the legislation and leadership that provide the comfortable life we lead: financial support after the loss of a job, (Unemployment Compensation), Credit Unions in Illinois so working people could get a mortgage, and several other pieces of legislation, social programs and ongoing policies that ensure working people live with dignity.

I also learned my wife Mary offered unending support as 40 Gavels consumed countless hours. She sacrificed a lot of shared time together. And Mary never failed to ensure Doc and I had an ample supply of her incredible homemade fudge.

Join us as we unravel and reveal this remarkable journey that chronicles Reuben’s life, friendships, professional peers, and achievements.