Hertha Ann Meyer

Hertha Ann (Wenzel) Meyer, 90, of Kendallville, Indiana, died Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at her home with family by her side. Hertha was born October 22, 1934, in Bellwood, Illinois, to Gustav Kurt and Hertha (Abrath) Wenzel. They preceded her in death. On November 17, 1962, she married Richard Carl Meyer. He preceded her in death in December 10, 2003. Hertha became an expert typist and stenographer after graduation, working for Sears Roebuck & Co. She eventually worked her way up to become executive secretary for senior management of the company, overseeing a pool of other assistants. She often reminisced about her young career and nights on the town in Chicago, dancing in the ballrooms famous at that time, attending Cubs games, bowling and spending time with family and friends. When she could, she assisted her father in his role as head grower at Amling's Flowerland. Upon meeting and marrying her husband Richard ("Dick"), Hertha gave up her glamorous lifestyle and headed to the north woods of Wisconsin, helping Dick run his parent's cottage resort on the shores of Lake Owen. There they started a family, moving to Indiana to pursue Dick's dream of owning an apple orchard. Hertha and Dick moved their young family to Kendallville in 1969 and rented an established orchard at Cree Lake for a few years while looking for the perfect site to start their own dream. They found that perfect location along the Lisbon Road and began an orchard – Orchard Hill Farms – that has grown to some 22,000 trees and involves several members of the family. Originally marketing through the Rogers Family Markets of Fort Wayne, Orchard Hill Farms grew to supply Walmart, Kroger and Meijer over the years. A market for the public was eventually opened at the main location and serves the community today, offering tree-ripened fruit, locally-grown vegetables and more from local farmers. Hertha loved speaking to customers at the orchard and was a constant fixture there until recently. Hertha was deeply involved in her community. A decades-long member of First Presbyterian Church of Kendallville, she headed the church's Christian education and youth efforts and served as an Elder and member of Session. She was also a member of the Kendallville Garden Club, instrumental in the development of the Kendallville Apple Festival, an early proponent of the Noble County Tourism Bureau, member of the Kendallville Chamber of Commerce, Republican Women's Club and several other local organizations and non-profits. She helped form several non-profit organizations that provide valuable support to the local community. She served as a CASA volunteer for 25 years, advocating for dozens of children involved in the court system. Surviving are her son Rick (Carrie) Meyer; daughter, Hertha Meyer; daughter-in-law, Nanette Meyer; three grandchildren, Sam, Hailey and Jack Meyer; a sister, Anita (Ron) Koch of Winfield Illinois; brother, Robert (Jean) Wenzel of Grand Haven, Michigan; and brother-in-law, Ken Meyer of Kendallville as well as numerous nieces and nephews scattered throughout the U.S. Preceding her in death are her beloved husband, Richard; son Kurt; and sister, Margaret. Visitation is Monday, August 25, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will follow at Lake View Cemetery in Kendallville. First Presbyterian Church of Kendallville will host a post-funeral celebration of life luncheon for family and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wood-Land-Lakes, Common Grace, or the First Presbyterian Church of Kendallville. View a video tribute after Monday and share memories and condolences at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com