09/02/2026
Our next Lindenhurst Resident Profile features Russ Hoogerhyde, who moved to Lindenhurst in 1974 with his wife Lin. Back in 1974, Lindenhurst was a rural frontier where Grand Avenue was a mere two-lane strip punctuated by "potholes big enough to swallow a Volkswagen." The local landscape was sparse, marked primarily by the welcoming neon of the Dog 'n Suds drive-in. Settling into their home on Witchwood Lane, the couple watched the Village sprout around them, witnessing the birth of the Village Hall in 1976, the Park District complex, a new police station, and a very busy Linden Plaza.
Russ's civic commitment runs deep, leading him to graduate from the Village Citizens Academy and serve on the Police Pension Board, the Veterans’ Memorial Commission, and the America 250 committee. Beyond local history, Russ notes that a profound personal milestone was his inclusion in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where visiting Arlington National Cemetery left a lasting impression.
Now retired for several years, Russ and Lin spend their time hiking, bicycling through the Village, and taking their boat out on the water. Reflecting on over five decades in the Village, Russ notes that his favorite part of living in Lindenhurst is that "we are in the midst of everything that Lake County has to offer!" From jogging in McDonald's Woods to enjoying Lindenfest, park concerts, and watching Santa ride through the neighborhoods at Christmas, he treasures the tight-knit, secure environment. "People really get out and participate," Russ says, proud to still call this friendly, watchful community home.
Throughout 2026, the Village will be collecting Lindenhurst Resident Profiles to capture the memories, experiences, and perspectives that make our community special. Residents are encouraged to share their story by completing the online questionnaire at www.lindenhurstil.org/residentprofile or by picking up a form at Village Hall (2301 E. Sand Lake Road). Learn more about the Village's plans for celebrating America 250 and Lindenhurst 70 by visiting the Village website at www.lindenhurstil.org/america250lindy70.