We're very honored to be able to say we were both employees of Meijer for many years. She truly meant it when she asked how our family was. We have found
There, as at Meijer, her affection for the dedicated volunteers and coworkers was always evident. Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. The two married and moved to Grand Rapidswhere she supported the growth of her husband's grocery businessand became deeply involved as a volunteer with the local parent-teacher association. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. WebLena Meijer, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, spouse and partner of the late retailing entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died January 15, 2022 at the age of if memory serves. She was also an enthusiastic partner of her husband as the Meijer retail business grew, attending store openings and team member awards dinners, taking Sunday drives to visit stores and making lifelong friends at food industry conferences. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. Contact her at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. From the couples first trip to Europeand her first airplane ridein 1950 to worldwide travel in their later years, Lena found herself embarked on adventures she could not have imagined as a child attending a one-room schoolhouse in central Michigan. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Lena was very active in the Grand Rapids Public Schools, volunteering frequently as a member of the Aberdeen School PTA, as well as serving in other civic roles and volunteering at school functions from paper drives to cake walks. We carried a bag of potatoes on our shoulders and it in the planters. They were married in 1946. The daughter of German immigrants, Lena Meijer was born in 1919 and raised on her family's farm near Lakeview, Michigan,according toRemembering Lena Meijer, awebsite honoring her memory. They alsohelped lead the capital campaign for what would becomethe Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. of this special opportunity to study and learn while serving listeners WebBuilt in 1994, the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Mich., is just one example of how an architect can leave a legacy by designing with galvanized steel. She was 7 years old and she had her plans made, her husband joked. Lena and Fred became involved in the Grand Rapids community through charitable efforts such as the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and Lena Meijer Childrens Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Prayers to all of you who love her and will miss her. I pray you will find joy in her passing as she becomes a partner once again with your dad. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lenas name may be made to the Lena Meijer Childrens Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. and support to help create the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, including the They were married in 1946. Lena was born May 14, 1919 on the family farm near Lakeview, Michigan. By the way, if this speech gets too long, half of it belongs to Lena because she wont talk, he said in 2004 at the dedication ceremony for the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum Health in downtown Grand Rapids. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. She passed away on Saturday, at the age of 102. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Linda and I fondly remember Lena and Fred dropping in to see us in Ocala on their way to my folk's home in Jupiter. Your mom was a wonderful lady and I dearly loved her. government sources. They were truly good, lovely people and I will miss them greatly. She often volunteered to decorate the German Christmas tree at the gardens. The next day they came in and asked my manager to see me. Kids can explore and learn through climbing, water play, touching, smelling, digging, and thinking. Join Local 4 News, First at 4 with Karen Drew and Kim Adams, streaming live on Local 4+, Dave Bartkowiak Jr., Digital Managing Editor. Your mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother chatted with me the entire time. It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Lena Meijer. Lena had a long-standing relationship with Spectrum Health. We smile as we think of Lenas love of flowers and how the Meijer Gardens shares that passion with so many others. According to a website set up in her honor, Meijer was born to German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader on a family farm near Lakeview. (The Grand Rapids Press/Paul L. Newby II), Lena Meijer poses in front of a replica of her childhood home, at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in 2003 (MLive file photo by Dave Raczkowski), A sculpture of Fred and Lena Meijer sits on a bench at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. A private ceremony is planned. Jump To. She was the daughter of German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader. We have lost a very Sweet Lady. Their marriage was often described as a true partnership. Ways to honor Lena Meijer's life and legacy. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Lena Meijer never sought the limelight and rarely spoke in public though she did appear at the 2018 grand opening of Meijers Bridge Street Market on Grand Rapids West Side but she was a true partner to her husband, Frederik Meijer, and left a lasting mark on the community. Her husband Fred Meijer, the co-founder of Meijer stores, died 10 years ago. GOD Bless you all. She was not pretentious or stuck-up, nor was Mr. Meijer. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Lena Meijer, member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Frederik Meijer, died Saturday at the age of 102. It was there that she met Fred Meijer, the grocers son. From the couples first trip to Europeand her first airplane ridein 1950 to worldwide travel in their later years, Lena found herself embarked on adventures she could not have imagined as a child attending a one-room schoolhouse in central Michigan. We each had been at different outings , and we were talking about how sweet and interesting she was to talk to. The park combines Frederik Meijers love of sculptures with his wife Lenas love of In 1940, she moved to Greenville, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier. Our family will forever cherish the memories and legacy she created with Grandpa Fred, the tweet said. On top of that, most of the items that are sold in Meijer stores travel thousands of miles, thus relying heavily on the burning of fossil fuels, which have contributed significantly to Climate Change. The Meijer gift enabled the universitys television and radio She had a warm and giving spirit, that was evident from the moment she walked in any room. This may contain information such as company name, job title, address, and time period of service. This profile was gathered from multiple public and
to see possible family members, friends, co-workers, and associates found from multiple government records, social and public sources. We use cookies to personalize & enhance your experience. Meidert, Beatrice - Mejia Benitez, Darwin. It has been just over a week now that Lena Meijer, the wife of Fred Meijer, passed away. She was a champion of health care, the arts, nature, education and business. There, as at Meijer, her affection for the dedicated volunteers and coworkers was always evident. She was 102. The center "is one of their many everlasting impacts generosity that is saving lives each and every day," said Leon Hendrix, communications lead for Spectrum, in a tweet. In later years, your folks always made sure to visit mine several times a year. The world lost a very down-to-earth lady with a big heart. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Lena Meijer, the devoted wife and mother who was there every step of the way as her husband turned a small grocery store into a retail staple in the Midwest, has died. Reviews help
She and Fred delighted in welcoming visitors to the Gardens, including and especially children to her namesake Childrens Garden. I tried to make my garden look as good as hers, she said with a laugh. Lena was born May 14, 1919 on the family farm near Lakeview, Michigan. They moved to Grand Rapids in 1951, and she worked in the business until her eldest son, Hank, was born in 1952. into the outstanding university it is today," said President Very nice couple. The Meijer Family Floor in CHS was named in recognition I was a cashier that started at the Norton Shores store. It was a pleasure for me to work for your family business from 10th grade until I retired. Lena moved to Greenville, Michigan in 1940, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier in the original Meijer supermarket. WebThe use of robotically-assisted minimally invasive surgery at Spectrum Health has expanded to treat patients with cardiovascular disease at the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center. God bless you all. It was a hot day and she made sure I left with business-size card for a free ice cream at the Purple Cow. Lena Meijer, noted philanthropist and wife of entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022,her family confirmed. Meijer is one of My Favorite Hangouts:)God BlessXO. She cherished memories of camel rides and hot-air balloon flights, golf tournaments and cycling trips. She is remembered as a loving wife, In addition, they also supported the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavillon, Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital and United and Kelsey Hospitals. Please enter a valid email address to subscribe. longtime and generous supporters of the university. All rights reserved (About Us). Lena Meijer, the wife of Frederik Meijer, passed away on Saturday, January 15. So sorry for your loss. Frederik Meijer also funded trails in the areaand the two donated art to theGrand Rapids Art Museum. Lena Meijer, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, spouse and partner of the late retailing entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died January 15, 2022 at the age of 102. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lena's name may be made to the Lena Meijer Children's Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. Consider offering these words of comfort if you're not sure what's appropriate. She was 102. It was there that she met Fred Meijer, the grocer's son. We played "store" using the corn rib; Lena was always the store keeper and I was the shopper. Freds father hired me as a cashier in his store, Lena Meijer remembered. Lena Meijer, matriarch of Meijer family and philanthropist, dies at 102 Hayley Harding The Detroit News View Comments 0:00 0:53 Lena Meijer, noted philanthropist Medical Mile. If we dont stop worshipping members of the Capitalist Class, like Lena Meijer, not much will change. Sorry to hear of Your Moms Death. If you want to plan the perfect spring picnic, food and drink are important, but its certainly not the only factor to consider. Thanks for being a kind family. This is a family business that made their wealth by exploiting the workers in their stores, by benefiting from the exploitation of the workers in an unjust food system farmworkers, for example and by not having to pay for the consequences of benefitting from an unsustainable and exploitative retail system. Sweet memories!! and viewers with great PBS and NPR programs. Fred and Lena had three sonsHank, Doug, and Mark. Could new DNA tech crack the JonBenet Ramsey case? I was always impressed that they could remember my name (and other details, such as my hubby being a deputy and that we had two kids), even through they must have met hundreds of people every year. The Frederik Meijer I really loved the two of them! Her love of gardens, including her own rose garden at their longtime home on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, helped inspire her and her husband's commitment to create the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Grandma Lena was the warmest grandmother a grandson could ask for. 11. Richard M. DeVos Center and the L. William Seidman Center. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Lena Meijer, member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Frederik Meijer, died Saturday at the age of 102. Follow her on Twitter @clarajanehen. We smile as we think of Lenas love of flowers and how the Meijer Gardens shares that passion with so many others. In lieu of flowers, the website says memorial contributions in Lenas name can be made to the Lena Meijer Childrens Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. For many years she decorated the German Christmas tree as a volunteer at the Gardens. What information about Lena are you looking for? Grand Rapids, MI, is where Lena Meijer lives today. Meijer died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 at the age of 102. One of Lena Meijers biggest legacies may be Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The gardens, which opened in 1995, feature rare and exotic plants and outdoor paths leading to sculptures by well-known artists. Sympathy to all the Meijer family. view. An employee at great no. She will be missed, but she had a great life. She cherished memories of camel rides and hot-air balloon flights, golf tournaments and cycling trips. She was also an enthusiastic partner of her husband as the Meijer retail business grew, attending store openings and team member awards dinners, taking Sunday drives to visit stores and making lifelong friends at food industry conferences. People like her and the Meijer family are rare indeed. I miss Fred and Lena so much! 1 (616) 331-2221
Matt McLogan, vice president for University In a statement, her son Hank Meijer, executive chairman of Meijer, said, The blessings of a long and fruitful life outweigh the sorrow with the passing of our mom, Lena Meijer. Our farms were next to each other. Condolences to the Meijer family on this loss. Our mothers burned up the phone lines too with lots to discuss-including the ostrich eggs they both decorated. My sincere condolences, and prayers for Hank, Doug, and the entire Meijer family. Over the phone, sight unseen, pick of the post, her husband interjected. Sciences, which led the way for the growth of health programs and The MLive article quote the Meijer family attorney who stated that lena Meijer preferred to remain in the background, and to council members of her family. She then dedicated herself to their family. Later in life, Meijer would remember her mothers large vegetable garden fondly. Check all background information that MyLife has gathered. Fred Meijer told News 8 in 2003 that he was initially nervous about dating someone from the store, so it was Lena who made the first move. An MLive headline read, Lena Meijer remembered as caring, community advocate with a wonderful heart. In that article there are comments from the Meijer family attorney, the CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the vice president of university relations at GVSU, and the following statement from the DeVos Family: Lena Meijer was a quiet force of nature in our community. Grand Rapids, MI, is where Lena Meijerlives today. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Allendale, MI 49401-9403
Whether heading on a camping trip, putting up guests or creating more sleeping space for a kids slumber party, air mattresses are useful to have. I had to put the slicer back together for this but I did not mind at all. Lena was very active in the Grand Rapids Public Schools, volunteering frequently as a member of the Aberdeen School PTA, as well as serving in other civic roles and volunteering at school functions from paper drives to cake walks. Family will pay their respects to Lena at a private ceremony, and others, including the DeVos family, offered their condolences and a recollection of the depth of her impact on West Michigan. Although it took just over an hour to plant the tree I cant remember a nicer client over the years I worked landscaping while in collegeit felt like I was have a conversation with my grandmother. Courtesy photo. Authors, which have both grown significantly over the years, are Your parents have left a great legacy and are now re-united in heaven. The people of West Michigan have access to a wide array of high-quality cardiovascular care because of her and Freds vision and philanthropy. The Meijers are also remembered for their philanthropic endeavors. My deepest sympathies to the Meijer family and all who loved Lena, I send my deepest sympathy to the entire Meijer family. Once again, the local news media had nothing but positive and glowing commentary about someone who was part of the Grand Rapids Power Structure. We helped with the haying.. I had the privilege of knowing your families during my 43 year employment at the Meijer corporate offices. I turned them down at first and then I changed my mind. The Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum Health "is one of their many everlasting impacts generosity that is saving lives each and every day,"tweeted Leon Hendrix, the communications lead for the hospital system. Spectrum Health is very proud and grateful to have her name on the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center as a tribute to a great and gracious lady.. She is survived by her three sons, who help run the family business, and several grandchildren. Feel free to call us with questions during weekday business hours at (517) 279-1590. My deepest sympathy to Hank, Doug, Mark and their families. They were married in 1946. I was fortunate enough to have met Fred and Lena at store 50 in Cascade when I was closing the deli. There was a group from the store that was going to Edmore and she was working in the office part time and some of the girls said to her, You ask Fred,' he said. The two donated land for the Frederik Meijer Gardens andSculpture Park, a cultural destination known for its stunning botanical gardens and art. Meijer was then offered a job by Hendrik Meijer at his Meijers Thrift Market in Greenville where she worked as a bookkeeper and cashier. Frederik Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan She is survived by sons Hank (Liesel), Doug and Mark (Mary Beth), grandchildren Haley, Peter (Gabriella), Hanna (Alex), Cali, Hardy, Kendall and Mary Grace, and great-grandchildren Dresden, Lena, Olivia and Brooklyn. In the natural world, she developed a special fondness for penguins, amassing a collection of penguin-related items in all shapes and sizes. We are grateful that she is at peace after a long, full, and impactful life. 10 years ago, and were so proud when Meijer moved into the Soo, Escanaba, and Marquette, bringing a great company up here from our old town. businesses, and does affect the Reputation Score. to see possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records and public sources. Lena Meijer is remembered for making contributions to things like the Civic Theater, the Frederick Meijer Gardens, local colleges, etc., all of which do nothing to disturb the oppressive and exploitative economic systems that exist in West Michigan. I remember Fred very well, Doug was a lines mgr. She and Fred delighted in welcoming visitors to the Gardens, including and especially children to her namesake Childrens Garden. broadcast center is an enduring legacy of their foresight and generosity.. I never met the Meijer's , but remember them behind my lane. Lena Meijer died last week at the age of 102. People dont get rich because they are hard workers, they get rich by exploiting people and resources. The Meijers had three sons, Doug, Hankand Mark. * The other websites referenced on this site are owned and operated by their respective companies, and the associated trademarks and logos are the property of those companies. Such a sincere and gracious couple, we are so lucky to have had some time with them in our lives. Aquinas College joins the West Michigan community and beyond in mourning the loss of Lena Meijer. "Her impact on the lives of students will be remembered for generations to come.. Kinkel busts of the Meijers at the dedication of the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum Butterworth in 2004. (MLive file photo by Anna Moore Butzner), Lori Niedenfuer Cool / The Grand Rapids Press, Lena and Fred Meijer at the 1997 Frederik Meijer Gardens honor ceremony. Lena Meijer, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, spouse and partner of the late retailing entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died January 15, 2022 at the age of 102. Lena was born May 14, 1919 on the family farm near Lakeview, Michigan. She was the daughter of German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader. She was 102. My best also to Mary Beth. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. He called up on a Friday and said, Can you be to work on Monday? And that was April Fools Day, Lena Meijer continued. Meijer died on November 25, 2011 at the Spectrum Health System in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after suffering a stroke in his Grand Rapids home. His wife Lena died at 102 years old on January 15, 2022. Meijer helped establish the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Yet she also presided over a bustling household, cooking dinner for the family most every evening. 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