MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Frederik Kasbeek

Frederik was born in The Netherlands and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1951 at age 5. They settled in the Chicago area where he lived until 1976. Frederik has a twin brother, as well as an older brother and sister. 

Frederik gives a great overview of his life, "Growing up in the 1950’s & 60’s in the Chicago suburbs was great fun. I met my wife Barb in 1971, and we married the following year. We expected to have four children, just like both of our families, but we were not able to have any. Barb and I moved to Springfield, IL, in 1976 where I worked for Blue Cross/Blue Shield. In 1983, we moved a bit north to Peoria, IL, where I was employed by OSF Healthcare System. I was hired as the government regulatory specialist (Medicare & Medicaid), and the last 15 years as their full-time registered lobbyist. Being a lobbyist was much different than the general public perception, which is extremely poor, to say the least.  Working at OSF Healthcare System was a real gift; it was an outstanding organization with excellent management. I really lucked out to be a part of it, and retired in 2008."

As a Rotarian since January 1999, South Tyler Rotary is his third club. Over the 20 years of membership and visiting other Rotary clubs when he traveled, Frederik has been impressed how each club is unique, but all share a common bond of fellowship and service. 

What has surprised Frederik lately? 
"Barb & I have moved three times in five months in Tyler! The first two moves were in rentals, and the third move was into a home that we purchased in a community called the “Homestead;” it is a 55+ community. The third move was the proverbial charm, as we love our home and living in Tyler."

What volunteer activities has Frederik most enjoyed?
"I have enjoyed volunteering in a variety of roles, but I am a “worker” and not a leader. In Rotary, my favorite positions were as the Foundation Director and Song Leader in Hot Springs Village Club. I also enjoy singing in church choirs and chorales. From January 2015 until we moved to Tyler in 2019, I was the Sunday afternoon “American Presidency” tour guide at the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, AR. Giving tours and meeting the visitors was great fun! I love reading American history, and my favorite President is Harry Truman."

What’s something Frederik wants to do next year that  he has never done before?   
"At age 73, not having to see a doctor for a whole year!" 

Thank you, Frederik, for helping us get to know you a little better!