Lena Meijer died on Saturday, January 15th at the age of 102. My deepest sympathy to Hank, Doug, Mark and their families. She was the daughter of German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader. For many years she decorated the German Christmas tree as a volunteer at the Gardens. to see possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records and public sources. Around 30 years ago I worked for a local landscape company and was assigned to plant a tree at the Meijers home on Kent Country Club. GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) An icon of the Meijer retail store brand has died. Lets take the Meijer Family. Kinkel busts of the Meijers at the dedication of the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum Butterworth in 2004. Even more, she cherished the company of her family, of her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews and cousins. Allendale, MI 49401-9403 Grand Rapids, MI, is where Lena Meijerlives today. Lena lived generously and her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched.. The Meijer Family established multiple scholarships at Grand Valley, Over the phone, sight unseen, pick of the post, her husband interjected. A private ceremony for the family is planned. 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. Lena passed on Saturday, Jan. 15. Lena will be missed, but her legacy will live on through the programs and services made possible by her compassion and generosity, which will benefit West Michigan for generations. 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. We each had been at different outings , and we were talking about how sweet and interesting she was to talk to. Ways to honor Lena Meijer's life and legacy. More than 15 robotic cardiac surgeries have been performed at the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center The two donated land for the Frederik Meijer Gardens andSculpture Park, a cultural destination known for its stunning botanical gardens and art. (File photo), Anna Moore Butzner / The Grand Rapids Press, Fred Meijer and wife, Lena, behind, after the unveiling of the A.J. I tried to make my garden look as good as hers, she said with a laugh. The local news media did the same thing about Fred Meijer, when he passed away in 2011. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Lena and Fred Meijer sit next to a statue of Fred at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. I took care of them and told them to have a great night and he told me he was so thankful for doing that for them. She and my dad were first cousins,and I remember as a young child we would go to their home in Greenville to celebrate birthdays. Instead of flowers, memorial contributions in her name have been requested for the Lena Meijer Children's Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. My Deepest Sympathy for your loss,I have been a long time Shopper at Meijer, I use to work at the one on Carpenter Rd,Ypsilanti,Mich. She was 102. This profile was gathered from multiple public and The comments from the DeVos Family are completely expected, since this is one family within the Grand Rapids Power Structure speaking well of another member of the Grand Rapids Power Structure. They made their decisions on the family obviously together but they also made business decisions together, former Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell said. They moved to Grand Rapids in 1951, and she worked in the business until her eldest son, Hank, was born in 1952. Lena Meijer stands in front of "The Kiss" by Auguste Rodin on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2005 at the Frederick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapid, Mich. A private ceremony is planned. I turn 101 on May 27th this year-our birthdays were just two weeks apart. Is Lena Meijer alive? 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. Lena Meijer Childrens Garden. The sculpture is one of three significant pieces of art, all cast in bronze near the turn of the 20th century that were unveiled Wednesday. There, as at Meijer, her affection for the dedicated volunteers and coworkers was always evident. She was a friend and partner to our parents / grandparents, as she was to us, and a steadfast supporter of her husband, her family and all of West Michigan. I first met Lena and Fred at the opening of the Frederik Meijer Gardens, where I worked as a horticulturist. 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. She will be greatly missed.. Our hearts go out to the Meijer family. Meijer was active in the Grand Rapids Public schools and also served in other civic roles, according to her obituary. In 1940, she moved to Greenville, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier. Lena worked for the store for ten years. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Both of these My deepest sympathy to Hank, Doug, Mark and their families at this sad time. Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy, 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, Fred and Lena Meijer remembered for belief in community, Lena Meijer remembered as caring, community advocate with a wonderful heart., New Report demonstrates that Schools across the country and in Michigan, fail when teaching about the Black FreedomStruggle, Taxing the Rich isnt enough: Working towards an anti-Capitalist strategy to reduce human and ecologicalharm , Taxing the Rich isnt enough: Working towards an anti-Capitalist strategy to reduce human and ecological harm | Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy, GRIID Year in Review Part I Monitoring Local News coverage of critical issues | Grand Rapids Institute for Information Democracy, Grand Rapids Non-Profit Industrial Complex, Police Chief Winstrom made a fool out of himself with fraudulent comments about activists in Grand Rapids who are demanding the GRPD bedefunded, Environmental books that have influenced me in my lifetime: PartIII, Omissions, bias and failure to question government claims: Grand Rapids Commercial Media Coverage of public hearing on GRPD proposal to usedrones, Opposition to the GRPD using drones was overwhelming during last nights Grand Rapids City Commission meeting, then the Mayor suspended the PublicHearing, GRIID interviews Movimiento Cosecha before the upcoming May 1st Immigrant Justice march in GrandRapids. further examples oftheir consistent investment in the lives of Grand Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. She was a champion of health care, the arts, nature, education and business. She always enjoyed the friendship of her neighbors, from the house on Meadowfield Drive NE where they raised their sons, to the apartment at Cook Valley Estates, where they moved in 2004. Meijer First Generation Honors College Scholarship. We helped with the haying.. Our farms were next to each other. We're very honored to be able to say we were both employees of Meijer for many years. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. My best also to Mary Beth. They say that "by their fruits, ye will know them"; and by her fruits, it is clear what a great woman Lena Meijer was and how great her loss is. Grand Rapids, MI. WebMeijer was a local barber who entered the grocery business during the Great Depression. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lenas name may be made to the Lena Meijer Childrens Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. WebMiller Johnson joins in celebrating the life of Lena Meijer, a longtime supporter of the Grand Rapids community and friend to innumerable organizations throughout Michigan and beyond. Yet she also presided over a bustling household, cooking dinner for the family most every evening. The world lost a very down-to-earth lady with a big heart. We use cookies to personalize & enhance your experience. Thanks for being a kind family. A WOODTV8 story uses the headline, Fred and Lena Meijer remembered for belief in community. scholarships benefit first-generation students. Our family will forever cherish the memories and legacy she created with Grandpa Fred, the tweet said. Your parents have left a great legacy and are now re-united in heaven. You were truly blessed to have such a wonderful person to be your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you Hank, Doug and Mark and your families. Love, hugs and prayers to the family. Lena Meijer (Rader) Birthdate: estimated between 1887 and 1945 : Death: Immediate Family: Daughter of George Rader and Mary M Rader Wife of Frederik Meijer She and her husband were known to be generous with their time and their wealth. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Lena Meijer, member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Frederik Meijer, died Saturday at the age of 102. Always there. Now, as I go for cancer treatment each week at Lemmon Holton Cancer Pavilion, I am greeted by their statues in the lobby. My condolences to this average like the rest of us family, what wonderful giving people they are. Matt McLogan, vice president for University For years, she decorated the German Christmas tree at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. She and Fred delighted in welcoming visitors to the Gardens, including and especially children to her namesake Childrens Garden. Celebrating The Life Of For many years she decorated the German Christmas tree as a volunteer at the Gardens. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The wealth from the Meijer family alone could eliminate poverty in West Michigan and provide sufficient funds for housing and health care for all. WebDoug and Hank Meijer's tribute to their mom. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Lena Meijer, noted philanthropist and wife of entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022,her family confirmed. They were truly good, lovely people and I will miss them greatly. See We carried a bag of potatoes on our shoulders and it in the planters. View personal, professional, and Dating reviews for Lena. 1:00 Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. The next day they came in and asked my manager to see me. Lena and Fred both were so genuine and kind and they will be sorely missed. and support to help create the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, including the to see possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records and public sources. 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. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Published by Grand Rapids Press from Jan. 15 to Jan. 18, 2022. universitys expansion over the years, including Grand Valleys Meijer The Meijers generously supported the Lena also answers to Lena E Meijer, Lena Elizabeth Meijer and Lena If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Later in life, Meijer would remember her mothers large vegetable garden fondly. Her involvement with the business continued until the birth In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. businesses, and does affect the Reputation Score. They were married in 1946. Lena Meijer meant so much to so many, it is nearly impossible to measure her impact [] Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. I have kept in contact with Lena all of these years, and during the Christmas season, I called and told her I loved her and cherished our happy memories. Sorry to hear of Your Moms Death. Lena Learn more in our Privacy Policy. Check all background information that MyLife has gathered. 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 husbands commitment to create the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Honors College and the Frederik Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan The gardens were always special to her and she took pride in the way the project grew. To the Meijer family, my prayers and thoughts are with you. Lena and Fred were part of Grand Valleys Hall of Fame as Grand Instead of celebrating the bullshit charity of the billionaire class, lets organize to redistribute the wealth of members of the Capitalist Class, like the Meijer family. As a child, she and her siblings would play in the corn crib when it was empty. Lena Meijer was a quiet force of nature in our community and we are sad to learn of her passing. My deepest sympathy to you, Hank, Doug, Mark and your families. The park combines Frederik Meijers love of sculptures with his wife Lenas love of God bless you all. Lena Meijer died last week at the age of 102. Meijer was then offered a job by Hendrik Meijer at his Meijers Thrift Market in Greenville where she worked as a bookkeeper and cashier. You dont marry a person, especially when the business is there, you marry the business; you marry the family, Fred Meijer said in 2003. Lena Meijer is fondly remembered for the monetary contributions she and her family have made over the years, but there is no honest discussion or investigation into how the Meijer family became billionaires. 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. Contact her at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Who's Searching for You, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors & Classmates, See all testimonies from people that know Lena. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Lena Meijer, member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Frederik Meijer, died Saturday at the age of 102. Meijer, Lena 5/14/1919 - 1/15/2022 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. It was there that she met Fred Meijer, the grocers son. We had our mother save all the packages and empty cartons and we would set up a little grocery store in the corn crib, she said. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). Check Full Reputation Profile (MLive file photo by Gina Frigo), Lena Meijer watches during the 30th annual dinner of the Economic Club of Grand Rapids at DeVos Place on Monday, June 19, 2017. Lena moved to Greenville, Michigan in 1940, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier in the original Meijer supermarket. I will also ask you to extend my sympathies to the rest of your family. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? to see who they are and learn about them, based on information from public records and government sources. This section can be locked, requiring permission to Your mom was a wonderful lady, and I dearly loved her. with their generous gift for the Cook-DeVos Center for Health His first employees included his 14-year-old son, Frederik Meijer, who later became chairman of the company. They alsohelped lead the capital campaign for what would becomethe Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. An employee at great no. 1 Campus Drive I miss Fred and Lena so much! She was the daughter of German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader. She graduated from Lakeview High School in 1937 and got a job at a Lakeview bank as a teller and bookkeeper. What information about Lena are you looking for? (Cory Morse | MLive.com), Lena Meijer, the philanthropic wife of grocery store magnate Fred Meijer, died on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 at the age of 102. Stewards of the university,recognizing their lifetime contributions Later in life, your folks made sure to visit my folks several times a year. Highlights Top Back to Page Nav. On the website Remembering Lena Meijer, the Meijer family said it would like to thank all those who helped with Lenas care in the home, with her transportation and with other assistance.. Grand Rapids, MI, is where Lena Meijer lives today. Check Full Reputation Profile "Grandma Lena was the warmest grandmother a grandson could ask for," said Rep. Peter Meijer, her grandson, in a tweet. Lena Meijer, the wife of Frederik Meijer, passed away on Saturday, January 15. The Michigan native and member of the Meijer Board of Directors was born in Lakeview in 1919 and graduated from Lakeview Highschool in 1937. for Lena Meijer Lena and her husband, Frederik (Fred), were passionate The Meijers are also remembered for their philanthropic endeavors. Lena was also passionate about public television. Your mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother chatted with me the entire time. that directly benefit students. There, as at Meijer, her affection for the dedicated volunteers and coworkers was always evident. The Foundation team has been instrumental in the capital campaigns for Spectrum Healths Renucci Hospitality House, Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center, Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion and Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital, as well as the creation and advancement of countless programs that impact patients, their families and Visitors can also see the Lena Meijer Childrens Garden and a replica of her family farm in Amble, complete with a barn and the original windmill from the farm. Sorry Hank we never met. 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's photographed here on Feb. 9, 2005 in front of "The Kiss" by Auguste Rodin at Frederick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, Mich. (AP Photo/Adam Bird), Fred and Lena Meijer takes a tour of the Michigan Farm Garden at Federik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in 2003. 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. We extend our sympathies at the loss of your family matriarch. Lena and Fred generously gave the lead gift in support of the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center. Meijer and her husband also donated to several other causes. She was 102. "Her impact on the lives of students will be remembered for generations to come.. Lena Meijer was by her husbands side as the Meijer company grew from a single store into a retail giant. Such a sincere and gracious couple, we are so lucky to have had some time with them in our lives. I pray you will find joy in her passing as she becomes a partner once again with your dad. She and Fred delighted in welcoming visitors to the Gardens, including and especially children to her namesake Childrens Garden. She was 102. "Our family will forever cherish the memories and legacy she created with Grandpa Fred.". The Meijers had three sons, Doug, Hankand Mark. The Meijers Lena moved to Greenville, Michigan in 1940, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier in the original Meijer supermarket. (Neil Blake | MLive.com) Neil Blake | MLive, Fred and Lena Meijer gets a lift by a tram at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in 2003. Lena is alive and kicking and is currently 47 years old. I never met the Meijer's , but remember them behind my lane. 11. Check Full Reputation Profile Acclaimed Orchid Wall. They They gave land to Grand Valley State University that would eventually become the school's Meijer campus in Holland and established multiple scholarships at the university. 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. Yet she also presided over a bustling household, cooking dinner for the family most every evening. When she moved to Greenville, Michigan, in 1940, she was hired as a cashier at the original Meijer supermarket where she met Frederik Meijer. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. 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. Lena was born May 14, 1919 on the family farm near Lakeview, Michigan. Your mom was a wonderful lady and I dearly loved her. She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother,great-grandmother and partner to Frederik Meijer as he built up the grocery store chain. MyLife is NOT a Consumer Reporting Agency - You may NOT use this information to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, tenancy or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. WebMeijer died on November 25, 2011, at the Spectrum Health System in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after suffering a stroke in his Grand Rapids home. By using our site, you agree to our use of cookies. Your Mother was one of the most gracious woman I have ever had the privilege to meet. Her involvement with the business continued until the birth of the first of their three sons, Hank, Doug and Mark, in 1952. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com), Fred Meijer, left, looks on as Lena Meijer, right, cuts one of the ribbons signifying the opening of the new outdoor amphitheater at Frederik Meijer Gardens in 2003. 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. Meijer is one of My Favorite Hangouts:)God BlessXO. This may contain information such as company name, job title, address, and time period of service. She was always friendly and a very positive person. were active in multiple campaigns and projects, providing leadership I have made one visit to the Garden's saw the Butterfly's, and was amazed by the horse statue. She had a warm and giving spirit, that was evident from the moment she walked in any room. The Meijer gift enabled the universitys television and radio This means that the Meijer family business increased their wealth by $6.7 Billion, while Meijer workers couldnt afford health care or pay their rent, and while thousands of families in West Michigan were suffering during the COVID 19 pandemic. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Prayers to all of you who love her and will miss her. view. Meijer, Lena 5/14/1919 - 1/15/2022 Lena Meijer, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, spouse and partner of the late retailing Who's Searching for You, Look Your Best to People Searching for You. provided an educational anchor on the east end of Grand Rapids It has been just over a week now that Lena Meijer, the wife of Fred Meijer, passed away. to the university and the West Michigan community. I had to put the slicer back together for this but I did not mind at all. community leader, Campus community mourns death of Bea Idema. Sympathy to all the Meijer family. 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. As a child, she said, she would climb that windmill and eat her lunch up there. bolivar county mississippi obituaries cleveland, ms, houses for rent ogdensburg, ny,
Where Is Paul From Auction Kings?, Stubhub Seller Never Sent Tickets, Which Sentence Contains A Buried Verb, Articles I