Harold Joseph Homann was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on October 23, 1903, to Walter Lewis and Wilhelmina (Laupp) Homann. After commencement at North Division High School in 1923, young Homann attended Marquette University where he earned both a B.A. and a B.S. He later received an M.A. in Educational Psychology at Columbia University in New York City, and began doctoral work in Character Education at the University of Chicago.
Homann commenced a life-long involvement with the Boy Scouts of America in 1915 when he joined Troop 75 (Milwaukee). In 1928, after completing the 15th National Training School for Scout Executives, he was hired by the Piasa Bird Council (Alton, Illinois) as a Field Executive. Four years later, he became Scout Executive for the Council. In 1942, he resigned to become head of the Blackhawk Area Council (Rockford, Illinois), a position he held until June 15, 1961, when he retired for health reasons.
As well as planning numerous scouting jamborees at the local and national levels, Homann directed special programs for groups both in Illinois and Wisconsin. In 1939, 1940, and 1941, Homann served as director of the Illinois State Fair Youth Day programs. From 1941 through 1943, he fulfilled similar duties for the Wisconsin State Fair.
Homann was also actively involved in the Red Cross, Big Brothers of America, Alton Community Health Council, Rockford Council of Social Agencies, and the Unitarian Church. He was a parole agent while in Alton, handling 376 cases of which only three were “lost.”
On September 1, 1962, Homann was appointed administrator of the Winnebago County Medical Society. During his service, Homann helped organize a successful Salk polio vaccine campaign in 1962-1963.
Harold Homann married Faye G. Rhoades on September 1, 1931. On May 28, 1935, their son, Harold William Homann, was born.
Harold J. Homann died January 9, 1964, at the age of 60.
