SYRACUSE — The Herdrich family is the latest name plate to be added to the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation’s Eli Lilly Lifetime Founders Society wall, at the educational center in Syracuse. A brief recognition was held Friday evening before a social gathering of society members.

Shown are five of the six Herdrich siblings. Seated in front, from left, are Jeff, Jan Herdrich Hackleman and Chris.
Standing in back are Bill and Bob. Not present is Joyce Herdrich Wilke.

Five of the six Herdrich siblings, along with spouses, children and grandchildren, were present for the event. Present were Jan Herdrich Hackleman, Bill Herdrich, Chris Herdrich, Bob Herdrich and Jeff Herdrich. Their sister, Joyce Herdrich Wilke, was not able to attend. They are the children of Jim Bob and ‘Jinks’ Herdrich.

Jeff Herdrich, who is said to be the family historian, noted the family has been coming to the lake since around 1915-1919, almost 100 years. He noted his great-great-aunt lived at the lake and his father and grandfather would come up and visit her and used “this place as a vacation area.”

Tom Yoder, former board member and director emeritus, stated “I have a hunch that momma Herdrich is pretty proud and happy the family is going to be on the wall.” Yoder noted it has been said Lake Wawasee has become a family place … it is special we have the Herdrich family. … it is symbolic to me, for a lot of families around the lake, to recognize you in this way.”

Yoder stated placement on the wall is about money (giving of $100,000 or more). However, WACF is happy for everybody’s donation. “On top of that we wouldn’t have WACF if we didn’t have a ton of volunteers giving of their time and talent. Herdrichs are a part of that too.”

It was Hackleman who served on the board and was instrumental in the signage the WACF has, including the signature sign in the wetlands north of the property. “Jeff is very special with the conservancy and all the work that he does,” said Yoder. Jeff Herdrich is land management officer. Bill Herdrich currently serves on the board of directors, giving of his talent in a special way.

Dr. Joan Szynal, right, hands out medallions to the Herdrich siblings. From left are Jan Hackleman, Bob Herdrich, Chris Herdrich and Bill Herdrich, standing. Doug Grant, past recipient is shown at the far right.

Each of the Herdrich siblings received a special medallion commemorating the moment, which contains a photo of Eli Lilly.

Dr. Joan Szynal, board chairwoman, concluded the gathering by giving a brief history of the Lilly family, noting the family’s early philanthropic endeavors. She noted in 1897 Colonel Lilly started one of the biggest charitable foundations ever started, later becoming the United Way in Indiana. His son and grandson, in 1937, formed the Lilly Endowment which at one time was the largest philanthropic organization in the world. Szynal pointed out Ruth Lilly, during her lifetime donated more than $800 million of her own personal wealth, prior to starting the Ruth Lilly Foundation in 2002.

The evening was closed by Szynal reading the preface and postscript found in Eli Lilly’s book “Early Wawasee Days.” “This guy took the time, Mr. Lilly, to sit down and tell about the different areas in this lake, a reflection of his love of this lake and the watershed.”