The Wells County Foundation has announced that Michael Lautzenheiser, Jr. has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Bette A. Erxleben Volunteer of the Year award. Individuals selected to receive this award have made outstanding, sustained and unselfish broad-based contributions to community service in Wells County.
Lautzenheiser is an experienced community planner and geographic information systems manager with a demonstrated history of working in government administration for the past 18 years.
Lautzenheiser’s leadership extends well beyond his career. He has served as the president of Bluffton NOW! for the past nine years, a role in which he has been instrumental in revitalizing Downtown Bluffton. Lautzenheiser is also president of Wells County Trails and has led the way in connecting people and places one trail at a time throughout Wells County and beyond. He has been involved in the Forgotten Children Worldwide Project Management team for the past 11 years.
As a member of Hope Missionary Church, he has worked with the Upwards Program as a league director for the flag football and soccer teams. He also coached and maintained the playing fields. He regularly serves as an usher on Sunday mornings and has helped in the preschool Sunday School class.
Lautzenheiser’s servant’s heart is evident through his active leadership in a variety of volunteer roles.
Lautzenheiser will be honored at the annual Volunteer of the Year luncheon hosted by The Wells County Foundation, Inc. on Thursday, Nov. 21, noon at Lighted Gardens. The luncheon is open to the community but reservations are required. Luncheon is $15. Reservation deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 14. Call the Foundation office to make reservations today, 260-824-8620.
