Later in life, your folks made sure to visit my folks several times a year. Richard M. DeVos Center and the L. William Seidman Center. Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. WebLena was the daughter of a farmer near Lakeview, Michigan. We retired to the U.P. The art and sculpture feature important works of contemporary and modern art. The couple move to Grand Rapids in 1951 and Lena continued to work in the business until the birth in 1952 of the first of three sons. My deepest sympathies to Hank, Doug, Mark and the Meijer family. Robotic Surgery Expands To Cardiac We see the Lena Meijers of the world as being generous, when in fact we should be seeing their philanthropy as a PR scam, a diversion from having to actually look hard at how they made their wealth. below. Do you think for a moment that Lena Meijer was counseling her sons Hank & Doug Meijer to pay the workers at Meijer stores a livable wage? were active in multiple campaigns and projects, providing leadership Once again, the local news media had nothing but positive and glowing into the outstanding university it is today," said President Lena Meijer (Rader) Birthdate: estimated between 1887 and 1945 : Death: Immediate Family: Daughter of George Rader and Mary M Rader Wife of Frederik Meijer My deepest sympathy to you, Hank, Doug, Mark and your families. 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 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Lena was born May 14, 1919 on the family farm near Lakeview, Michigan. to see possible education history including where and when they attending high school and college, and a complete list of her high school class list. Lena Meijer Obituary (1919 - 2022) - Grand Rapids Press of their gift. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. Taking into account various assets, Lena's net worth is greater than $25,000 - $49,999; and makes between $40 - 49,999 a year. Her gracious, giving spirit and dedication to her family, our company and our community were beyond measure and appreciated by many. The Childrens Garden is not only entertaining but also educational. Lena was also passionate about public television. 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. What an amazing legacy she (they) left behind. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. I was a cashier that started at the Norton Shores store. A private ceremony is planned. I told him it was not a problem and that was what I was there for and that I didn't mind at all. Lena Meijer cooked dinner for the family most evenings, traveled internationally with Fred in their later years and saw her family grow toseven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, according the Remembering Lena Meijer site. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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. Spectrum Health Names New Foundation President Meijer and her husband also donated to several other causes. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Lena Meijer, member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Frederik Meijer, died Saturday at the age of 102. with their generous gift for the Cook-DeVos Center for Health The next day they came in and asked my manager to see me. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. to see possible family members, friends, co-workers, and associates found from multiple government records, social and public sources. GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) An icon of the Meijer retail store brand has died. Lena for Lena Meijer I turn 101 on May 27th this year-our birthdays were just two weeks apart. Lena Meijer was by her husbands side as the Meijer company grew from a single store into a retail giant. In the natural world, she developed a special fondness for penguins, amassing a collection of penguin-related items in all shapes and sizes. The Meijers generously supported the to the university and the West Michigan community. Rapids, McLogan said. 11. It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Lena Meijer. 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. 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. Fred and Lena had three sonsHank, Doug, and Mark. Lena Meijer is 103 years old and was born on 05/14/1919. 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. 1 Campus Drive The world lost a very down-to-earth lady with a big heart. It just kind of overwhelms me every time I come out here how much weve grown, she once said. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. 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. Located in Grand Rapids in western Michigan, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 158-acre combination botanical garden, outdoor sculpture park, and art museum. WebMeijer was a local barber who entered the grocery business during the Great Depression. to see who they are and learn about them, based on information from public records and government sources. The farm includes a reproduction of the farmhouse where Lena grew up. Our summers were spent in Tamarack Creek; the woolen suits rarely dried out before we put them back on jumped back into the water. Spectrum Health The Michigan native and member of the Meijer Board of Directors was born in Lakeview in 1919 and graduated from Lakeview Highschool in 1937. We smile as we think of Lenas love of flowers and how the Meijer Gardens shares that passion with so many others. Very nice couple. one of the individuals who helped establish Grand Valley and grow it I will also ask you to extend my sympathies to the rest of your family. Lena and her husband, Frederik (Fred), were passionate about To the Meijer family, my prayers and thoughts are with you. Ways to honor Lena Meijer's life and legacy. We hold Lena close to our hearts as we celebrate her full life and feel deep gratitude for the truly remarkable contributions she and her late husband, Fred, made to our community. My deepest sympathy to Hank, Doug, Mark and their families. (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. Lena also answers to Lena E Meijer, Lena Elizabeth Meijer and Lena Lena Meijer died Saturday, Jan. 15, at the age of 102. People who have economic and political power will almost always look out for other people who have economic and political power. Your mother was the perfect compliment to your father and on the many occasions I had the chance to talk with them it was evident they loved your families as well as the Business. Grand Rapids, MI, is where Lena Meijer lives today. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. Instead of flowers, memorial contributions in her name have been requested for the Lena Meijer Children's Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. Lena and Fred both were so genuine and kind and they will be sorely missed. Lena had a long-standing relationship with Spectrum Health. Lena Meijer died on Saturday, January 15th at the age of 102. 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. She was 102. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids, announced her death on Twitter Saturday afternoon. longtime and generous supporters of the university. Sympathy to all the Meijer family. My condolences to this average like the rest of us family, what wonderful giving people they are. Lena Meijer attends the groundbreaking for the Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids on Monday, June 26, 2017. My best also to Mary Beth. It was there that she met Fred Meijer, the grocers son. Our farms were next to each other. Lena and Fred were part of Grand Valleys Hall of Fame as Grand Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother,great-grandmother and partner to Frederik Meijer as he built up the grocery store chain. Fred and Lena Meijer at a GVU Foundation event; they are recognized as Grand Stewards of the university. Consider offering these words of comfort if you're not sure what's appropriate. Meijer People dont get rich because they are hard workers, they get rich by exploiting people and resources. Kids can explore and learn through climbing, water play, touching, smelling, digging, and thinking. 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. 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. A Statement from Aquinas College Interim President She was the daughter of German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader. They were truly good, lovely people and I will miss them greatly. Lena moved to Greenville, Michigan in 1940, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier in the original Meijer supermarket. 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. I had to put the slicer back together for this but I did not mind at all. 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. of this special opportunity to study and learn while serving listeners Always a pleasure to see her at the office, stores and events. We are grateful that she is at peace after a long, full, and impactful life," her grandson U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids, wrote in a tweet. He called her "the warmestgrandmother a grandson could ask for" and said that his family "will forever cherish the memories and legacy she created with Grandpa Fred.". Grand Rapids, MI. Campus in Holland, built on land they gave to the university. I give them a "hello" and it always brings a smile to my face to see them. If you clock it, knock off half for her half.. Is Lena Meijer alive? "Our family will forever cherish the memories and legacy she created with Grandpa Fred.". Her involvement with the business continued until the birth of the first of their three sons, Hank, Doug and Mark, in 1952. 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. She also excelled at sports and was one of the few girls the boys would allow to play baseball with them. This may contain information such as company name, job title, address, and time period of service. and viewers with great PBS and NPR programs. Lena will be remembered as Meidert, Beatrice - Mejia Benitez, Darwin. Your Mother was one of the most gracious woman I have ever had the privilege to meet. 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, the wife of Frederik Meijer, passed away on Saturday, January 15. Lena Meijer We played "store" using the corn rib; Lena was always the store keeper and I was the shopper. to see possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records and public sources. She and Fred delighted in welcoming visitors to the Gardens, including and especially children to her namesake Childrens Garden. provided an educational anchor on the east end of Grand Rapids She was "an enthusiastic partner" to her husband as the Meijer business grew, but she also tended closely to her household. [6] His wife Lena died at We know that Lena is married at this point. She's photographed here on Feb. 9, 2005 in front of GVSU also released a statement that wants us all to believe that Lena Meijer made an impact on the lives of students. Our hearts go out to the Meijer family. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. We use cookies to personalize & enhance your experience. Copyright 2022 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. She was 102. Who's Searching for You, Look Your Best to People Searching for You. 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. Now, as I go for cancer treatment each week at Lemmon Holton Cancer Pavilion, I am greeted by their statues in the lobby. I am grateful to the Meijer family for all my years of service with the Meijer company. If you have won a prize from us we will be mailing it to you or will contact you with specific information needed to redeem your prize. 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. Boardman Meijer Nears Opening, Highlights Community (Cory Morse | MLive.com), In 1999, Fred and Lena Meijer stand inside the shoulder area of the 24 foot Leonardo DaVinci horse, sculpted by Nina Akamu, which is displayed at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. Lena Meijer died last week at the age of 102. Make a tax-deductible contribution to support her work at bit.ly/freepRFA. We worked in the fields during the day planting corn by hand we didnt have a corn planter planting potatoes by hand, she recalled during an interview in May 2003. Grand Valley and West Michigan are remembering Lena Meijer, who died on January 15. She was the daughter of German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader. Lena Meijer died Saturday at the age of 102, the company announced: 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. 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. She was 102. In addition, they also supported the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavillon, Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital and United and Kelsey Hospitals. MyLife aggregates publicly available information from government, social, and other sources, plus personal reviews written by others. Great memories. In the natural world, she developed a special fondness for penguins, amassing a collection of penguin-related items in all shapes and sizes. To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one. See Lena Meijer (Rader) (deceased) - Genealogy 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. I had a good time.. 1:00 Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. View personal, professional, and Dating reviews for Lena. More than 15 robotic cardiac surgeries have been performed at the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) An icon of the Meijer retail store brand has died. She was not pretentious or stuck-up, nor was Mr. Meijer. Both of these Frederik Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Love, hugs and prayers to the family. She had a warm and giving spirit, that was evident from the moment she walked in any room. 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. Her family remembers her asa beloved mother and grandmother, while members of her community remember her for the work she did to support not only the Meijer Inc.retail business but also everyone from her local public schools to theFrederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Lena Meijer, wife of grocery store giant, dies at 102 I had the privilege of knowing your families during my 43 year employment at the Meijer corporate offices. 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. One of Lena Meijers biggest legacies may be Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. 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. 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. Lena moved to Greenville, Michigan in 1940, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier in the original Meijer supermarket. In 1940, she moved to Greenville, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier. 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. Relations, recalled the impact of their support. Grand Rapids, MI, is where Lena Meijerlives today. Over the phone, sight unseen, pick of the post, her husband interjected. 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. Meijer then enrolled in Central Michigan University to become a teacher, but due to the Great Depression, chose to work at a local bank instead. to see complete work history. 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. God bless you all. Sweet memories!! Lena moved to Greenville, Michigan in 1940, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier in the original Meijer supermarket. 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. 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. Frederik Meijer also funded trails in the areaand the two donated art to theGrand Rapids Art Museum. What information about Lena are you looking for? Please enter a valid email address to subscribe. My thoughts and prayers are with you Hank, Doug and Mark and your families. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. (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. Wife of retail giant Frederik Meijer, Lena Meijer dies at 102 Lena Rader Meijer, longtime member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Fred Meijer, has passed at the age of 102. Her involvement with the business continued until the birth She often volunteered to decorate the German Christmas tree at the gardens. May the memories of your happy times with a remarkable lady comfort you as you grieve her passing. 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. Courtesy photo. (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. My Husband Lee was their Mailman when they lived on Meadowfield. Lena Meijer, matriarch of Meijer family and Lena was so sweet and would give me a hug & a kiss on the cheek each time we met. Lena was a woman of great kindness, compassion and generosity. She was 7 years old and she had her plans made, her husband joked.