Herman Bundesen
Herman Niels Bundesen (April 27, 1882 – August 25, 1960) was a German-American medical professional, politician, and author. He served two tenures as the chief health official of the city of Chicago, holding this role for more than 34 years in total. He also was elected Cook County coroner. In 1936, he ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic Party nomination for governor of Illinois.
Herman Bundesen | |
|---|---|
Bundesen circa 1925 | |
| President of the Chicago Board of Health | |
| In office 1932 – August 25, 1960 | |
| Mayor | Anton Cermak Frank J. Corr (acting) Edward J. Kelly Martin H. Kennelly Richard J. Daley |
| Preceded by | office established |
| Succeeded by | Eric Oldberg |
| Chicago City Health Commissioner | |
| In office 1931 – April 1960 | |
| Mayor | Anton Cermak Frank J. Corr (acting) Edward J. Kelly Martin H. Kennelly Richard J. Daley |
| Preceded by | Arnold H. Kegel |
| Succeeded by | Samuel Andelman |
| In office February 1, 1922 – January 1928 | |
| Mayor | William Emmett Dever William Hale Thompson |
| Preceded by | John Dill Robertson |
| Succeeded by | Arnold H. Kegel |
| Cook County Coroner | |
| In office December 1928 – November 18, 1931 | |
| Preceded by | Oscar Wolff |
| Succeeded by | Frank J. Walsh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 27, 1882 Berlin, Germany |
| Died | August 25, 1960 (aged 78) Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence(s) | Chicago, Illinois |
| Alma mater | Northwestern University |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
Respected in his field, Bundesen was also known for his flamboyance. He was seen to desire celebrity, taking many opportunities for media photo ops.
In addition to his tenure as Cook County Coroner and his long service as Chicago's top health official, he also served as president of the American Public Health Association and as a senior surgeon with the United States Public Health Service.