George Sangmeister facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Sangmeister
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois |
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| In office January 3, 1989 – January 3, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Jack Davis |
| Succeeded by | Jerry Weller |
| Constituency | 4th District (1989–1993) 11th District (1993–1995) |
| Member of the Illinois Senate | |
| In office 1977–1987 |
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| Preceded by | James F. Bell |
| Succeeded by | Thomas A. Dunn |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives | |
| In office 1973–1977 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
George Edward Sangmeister
February 16, 1931 Frankfort, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | October 7, 2007 (aged 76) Joliet, Illinois, U.S. |
| Resting place | Abraham Lincoln Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residences | Joliet, Illinois, U.S. |
| Alma mater | John Marshall Law School Elmhurst College |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
George Edward Sangmeister (February 16, 1931 – October 7, 2007) was an important American politician. He served as a United States Representative for Illinois in the U.S. Congress. He also worked in the Illinois state government.
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Early Life and Education
George Sangmeister was born in Frankfort, Illinois. He married Doris Hinspeter. After attending Joliet Junior College, he joined the military. He served as a sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War.
After his military service, Sangmeister continued his education. He went to Elmhurst College. Later, he earned a law degree from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago.
Starting a Legal Career
Sangmeister worked as a private lawyer for several years. In 1961, he became a judge (magistrate) for Will County, Illinois. In 1964, he was elected as the Will County State's Attorney. This role made him the county's main prosecutor and legal advisor.
Illinois State Politics
In 1972, Sangmeister was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives. He was a member of the Democratic Party.
Serving in the State Senate
In 1976, Sangmeister won an election for the Illinois Senate. He defeated the Republican who held the seat, James F. Bell. Sangmeister served as a state senator for ten years, from 1977 to 1987. During this time, he became a strong leader for the Democratic Party in the state Senate.
Running for Lieutenant Governor
In 1986, Sangmeister tried to become the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor of Illinois. He was supported by Adlai Stevenson III, who was running for governor. However, Sangmeister lost the primary election to another candidate. He then decided not to join Stevenson on a new political party. The current Republican governor, James R. Thompson, won the election.
Serving in Congress
In 1988, George Sangmeister was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented a district in Illinois that was often closely contested between the two major parties.
After serving three terms in the House, he decided not to run for re-election in 1994. He felt frustrated with how national politics worked. Jerry Weller, a Republican, was elected to take his place.
Later Life and Passing
After leaving Congress, Sangmeister returned to working as a private lawyer. He passed away on October 7, 2007, at the age of 76. He died from leukemia. He was buried on October 11, 2007, at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.
