John Dziedzic named Lacey Historian of the Year

Shirley Stirling

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!” Margie Wyllie quipped.

Margie is the newsletter editor for the Lacey Historical Society (LHS). Her comments were made in honor of John Dziedzic. He’s the “apple” and the “tree” she referred to was his mother, Shirley Dziedzic.

I served as president of LHS for several years, and was selected as the society’s first historian of the year in 2002. John was recently awarded the Ken Balsey Lacey Historian of the Year for 2025 by the Lacey City Council. They don’t give the award yearly, but John is it for 2025.   

 The Lacey Historical Society nearly folded during the COVID-19 pandemic, but was resuscitated by a handful of determined volunteers, including John. Now, after three years, the nonprofit group has ballooned to 130 members.  

 John currently serves as secretary and has been vital in helping the Lacey Historical Society reorganize. Margie reports that his expertise, ethics and respectful professionalism have been key to their success.

“He worked on the bylaws, clarifying and revising them, and has provided valuable assistance in each newsletter,” she said.

She went on to explain that, as a liaison with the public and outside organizations, he is well-known for promoting civic engagement and historic preservation throughout the community, and he especially loves helping community members who want pieces of Lacey's history to be recognized.   

 John conducts expansive historical research in innumerable areas and his ideas exemplify out-of-the-box thinking.

His input is especially appreciated by the LHS in planning a new project. It will be the groups largest endeavor ever, to honor the city’s first physician, the beloved Dr. William Ehlers who arrived in 1953, 13 years before Lacey was incorporated, in 1966.

Dr. Ehlers served the community for 45 years before his retirement. LHS plans to erect a statue in honor of Dr. Ehlers. Several sites are currently under consideration.  

 “I am sure John’s mother would be immensely proud of her son’s heartfelt and dedicated assistance,” Margie commented.

“He is very kind and thoughtful to all, which he attributes to being (a) ‘middle child.’ He also has a profound sense of humor and a great personality. We are lucky to have him!”  

Shirley Stirling, of Lacey, writes about good things people in Thurston County are doing. If you'd like to nominate someone to be profiled, contact her at shirley@theJOLTnews.com or comment below.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Margie Wyllie's name.