An Award Rooted in Service
For most people, buying an anniversary gift does not lead to 16 years of volunteer gardening and a community award.
But for Leroy Boeckelman, helping others has always been second nature.
Recently, Leroy, a longtime Glen Ellyn resident and current resident of Beacon Hill senior living community in Lombard, was honored with the Scott Willsey Hometown Hero Award from the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce. Leroy was cited for his "quiet leadership, generosity of spirit and unwavering commitment to Glen Ellyn, reflecting the very best of our community."
Leroy joins a distinguished group of honorees that has included elite athletes, sports figures, essential workers, and dedicated volunteers. In presenting the award, organizers noted his steady service, kindness, and willingness to step forward whenever help is needed.
It Started With an Anniversary Gift
Ask Leroy how it all began, and he'll tell a story that starts with trying to buy an anniversary gift for his wife. He hadn’t quite gotten around to it until pretty last minute.
"I heard the YMCA in Glen Ellyn was offering massages," he recalled. "I decided to buy one for her, but they told me I had to be a member. So I joined."
While visiting the YMCA, Leroy noticed something else.
"They had hydrangeas along the building, and they didn't look very good," he said. "I asked if I could help."
An avid gardener, Leroy soon got to work. At the time, he and his wife were house sitting at a home with thriving hydrangeas.
"I was able to divide some of the plants and bring them to the Y," he said. "Over the next 16 years, I expanded all their gardening with more than 100 flowers."
A Lifetime of Giving Back
It was just one chapter in a lifetime devoted to service.
Leroy grew up on a Missouri farm and attended a one room schoolhouse. After earning his education degree, he spent 19 years teaching vocational agriculture, biology, and math before transitioning into a successful career in insurance and investments.
Throughout the years, he remained deeply involved in his community. He served as an ESL tutor, election judge, precinct committeeman, church ambassador for Faith Lutheran Church, member of the League of Women Voters, and usher for Saints (volunteer ushers for different entertainment venues). While living in Glen Ellyn, he even challenged himself to pick up ten pieces of litter every day during his walks past the local high school.
The common thread through all of it is simple: if Leroy sees something that needs doing, he does it.
Continuing to Make a Difference
That spirit continues today at Beacon Hill, where he remains an active and engaged member of the community. He works out daily, enjoys strolling around the beautiful campus, attends performances and events, and continues to embrace life with the same energy and curiosity that have defined him for decades.
"Leroy's story is one of service, humility, and purpose," said Beacon Hill Executive Director Elijah Heyboer. "He never seeks recognition, yet his positive impact can be seen everywhere. He embodies the culture of generosity, and lifelong contribution that defines Beacon Hill. We always are grateful for the good people like Leroy who choose to make Beacon Hill their home.”
A True Hometown Hero
Although Leroy may never have set out to become a hometown hero, his story is a reminder that communities are strengthened by people who quietly show up, lend a hand, and make things a little better every day.
In Leroy's case, that impact can still be seen blooming at the Glen Ellyn YMCA, where flowers he planted 16 years ago continue to thrive. Like the many lives he has touched through decades of service, they are a lasting legacy that continues to make the community more beautiful.
For Leroy Boeckelman, that has never been about recognition. It's simply been a way of life.
