The corn boil during DeKalb’s 32nd Annual Corn Fest was bittersweet as the city honored a beloved community leader and friend.

The DeKalb Corn Fest Board of Directors decided to rename the corn boil this year in honor of the late Chuck Siebrasse who worked as chairman of the corn boil for 25 years and was a former chairman of Corn Fest.

On Feb. 5, Siebrasse died at the age of 61 years old from renal cancer.

The corn boil took place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport, 3232 Pleasant St., where Corn Fest was held. During the event, over 70 tons of steamed sweet corn was given out at no charge to the thousands of people in attendance.

Bryan Klatt, chairman of the corn boil since 1977, was co-chairman with Siebrasse during his 25 years with the corn boil.

“Because of all that he has given to Corn Fest and his community spirit throughout the years, it seemed fitting to rename this after him,” Klatt said.

“I believe the corn boil honors a very wonderful man who deserves the honor,” said Pat LaVigne, DeKalb Township Supervisor and DeKalb County Board member.

LaVigne worked with Siebrasse on the corn boil for a few years as well as a number of other community projects.

“He was involved in everything - always anywhere that help was needed, there was Chuck,” she said. “I can’t think of a soul who doesn’t think he walked on water.”

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