By Martha StoelTing
Staff Writer

Rex Heil moved with his family to the Syracuse area when he was 5 years old and has enjoyed it so much he remains a resident today. To give back to his community he has participated on several boards including Indiana Manufactured Housing Council and he is winding up service on the Kosciusko Board of Realtors and the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District Board after 19 years.

Having been vice president of the sewer district board for two years and president for nine years, his greatest satisfaction has been in seeing the necessary sewer service extended around Lake Wawasee resulting in a more environmentally friendly lake for public use and enjoyment. “The most difficult part of the job has been convincing people it is a great idea now, not later, when their kids will have to achieve it,” he noted. Former neighbor the late Dave Grandstaff was instrumental in getting Heil to join the TCRSD board.

A 1970 graduate of Wawasee High School, he worked college summers in the manufactured housing industry in the plant to earn money for school. Graduating from Ball State University with a degree in business administration, he was offered an opportunity in sales for manufactured housing. His career lasted from 1975-2007 when he retired.

“I had always been interest in real estate and decided to pursue that with Todd Realty in 2009,” Heil explained. He enjoys helping others to find their dream home whether it is first time buyers, empty nesters or those looking for a lake home. He added, “It is satisfying to be sure everybody is happy and it is fun too. I love it when it all comes true for them.”

The company recently joined ERA which expands the services he can give his buyers and sellers by accessing more technology. It is now known as Todd Realty Powered by ERA.

A personable and friendly guy, it is easy to see why he is such a success in sales. Those interested in what has happened in the area since the late 1950s should have a conversation with him as he has some fun and colorful stories to recount as well as insight into the area.

Heil’s family is well known in the area. He and his wife Karen married in 1979 and have two children, Dr. Ross Heil and Gretchen Fawcett. They have three grandsons and a granddaughter is on the way. The couple have traveled recently in Europe and are planning to do more.

Heil has seen great changes at Lake Wawasee in his lifetime and is happy to have been a part of some of those which have enhanced the quality of life at the lake for others.