Video: Henry Hyde laid to rest

Hundreds of people descended upon St. Charles Friday morning for the funeral of former U.S. Rep. Henry J. Hyde, a man touted by many as more than just a politician.

Hyde, 83, who served the 6th District of Illinois for more than 30 years, died Nov. 29.

His funeral was held at St. John Neumann Church, 2900 E. Main St.

He was revered by several prominent people, including House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio; Cardinal Francis George; and U.S Reps. Melvin L. Watt, D-N.C., and Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill.

"He was not just a congressman, he was an American hero," Boehner said. "He was my hero."

Hyde believed all human life was precious, Boehner said.

"He lived by treating all men and women with dignity and respect," he said.

George agreed.

"He was a man of instincts that guided him," he said. "He had good instincts about children, particularly those children who had not yet been born, but alive in their mother's wombs."

While Watt said he and Hyde often disagreed politically, their friendship was "symbolic of what is good and wonderful about Congress."

"We played on different teams, represented different constituencies and came from different backgrounds, but that's exactly what our founding fathers set up as a mechanism to bring us together," he said.

Hyde was a close and dear friend, Jackson said. He said Hyde was known by several different names, including "Clinton impeacher" and "abortion foe."

"But he also went by the name of devoted husband, father and friend who loved and believed in America," Jackson said. "I knew him as a good man and a great friend."

Hyde's son, Bob, said his father taught his family how to laugh.

"Especially at ourselves. Dad exhibited a true joy in living," he said.

Hyde died in the same manner in which he lived, Bob Hyde said.

"With dignity, readiness and peace," he said.

Hyde, a former Wood Dale resident, retired from Congress in 2006.

Hyde is survived by his wife, Judy; three children, Robert (Mindy), Anthony (Barbara) and Laura; three step-children, Susan (James) Schiesser, Stephen (Kim) Glazier and Mitch (Carly) Glazier; and 14 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Hank; two siblings, Mary and John; and his first wife, Jeanne.

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