“Frag doch die Leonie!” Can you imagine those words echoing through Eppelheim? That’s what people used to say when someone needed help after World War II. We are standing here at Leonie-Wild-Platz. This place is named for a remarkable woman: Leonie Wild.
Leonie Katharina Steinmann was born in 1908. She later married Rudolf Wild. Together, they founded the Rudolf-Wild-Werke. In 1997, she established the Leonie-Wild-Stiftung. This foundation supports needy citizens. It also backs social and cultural projects. Her impact is still felt today.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate this space. Leonie-Wild-Platz offers a spot for relaxation. It is a place for community. It is named after a woman who deeply cared.
Leonie’s story began in St. Ilgen. In 1931, her father passed away. Leonie and Rudolf started the Zick-Zack-Werke in Heidelberg. They sold goods from the Marstallstrasse. They soon bought land in Eppelheim. In 1934, Leonie and Rudolf married. By 1937, their company expanded. They moved to a larger site with a former glass factory. The company was then named Rudolf-Wild-Werke.
During World War II, Rudolf was drafted in 1942. Leonie managed the company. She oversaw 100 employees until 1945. The company produced natural ingredient lemonades. Leonie helped develop new recipes. She remained a senior figure in the company. Her sons, Hans-Peter and Rainer, joined in the 1970s.
Leonie Wild’s commitment extended beyond her business. She was dedicated to social causes. Her greatest achievement was the Leonie-Wild-Stiftung. The foundation greatly helped Eppelheim and the Rhein-Neckar region. She supported those in need. She championed social and cultural projects. Leonie and her husband supported Volksliedersingen. This is a folk song event held in the Rudolf-Wild-Halle. They also organized an annual Christmas party. This party was for the socially disadvantaged.
Her generosity was widely recognized. In 1948, Leonie and Rudolf donated bells. These were for Eppelheim’s Protestant and Catholic churches. The bells are located in the Pauluskirche and Josephskirche.
Leonie Wild received many honors. In 1996, she received the Staufermedaille in Gold. In 1997, she received the Verdienstorden. This is the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. She also became an honorary citizen of Eppelheim in 1997. Additionally, Eppelheim named Leonie-Wild-Platz and Leonie-Wild-Strasse in her honor. The town awards the Leonie-Wild-Medaille. It is awarded to outstanding people in business, politics, and sports. In St. Ilgen, the Leonie-Wild-Weg also bears her name.
So, as we stand here, remember Leonie Wild. She was an entrepreneur. She was a philanthropist. She was a pillar of this community. Her legacy lives on in this place. It reminds us to support each other. It inspires us to build a better future.