There, as at Meijer, her affection for the dedicated volunteers and coworkers was always evident. 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. 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. View court, arrest, criminal/conviction 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. Lena Meijer died Saturday, Jan. 15, at the age of 102. Could new DNA tech crack the JonBenet Ramsey case? She graduated from Lakeview High School in 1937 and got a job at a Lakeview bank as a teller and bookkeeper. Lena Rader Meijer, longtime member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Fred Meijer, has passed at the age of 102. to see who they are and learn about them, based on information from public records and government sources. Enter the Childrens Garden through the three-foot-tall mouse hole entrance and get ready to have all five senses stimulated. Check Full Reputation Profile Lena and Fred were part of Grand Valleys Hall of Fame as Grand (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. Spectrum Health Dick. Our condolences to the whole family. Remembering Lena Meijer, philanthropist and wife to I had to put the slicer back together for this but I did not mind at all. In 1949, the first This third-party data is then indexed through methods similar to those used by Google or Bing to create a listing. Lena moved to Greenville, Michigan in 1940, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier in the original Meijer supermarket. See She was 102. broadcast center is an enduring legacy of their foresight and generosity.. 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. In 2004, the hospital opened the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center. She was "an enthusiastic partner" to her husband as the Meijer business grew, but she also tended closely to her household. It just kind of overwhelms me every time I come out here how much weve grown, she once said. 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. 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. 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. 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. I had the privilege of knowing your families during my 43 year employment at the Meijer corporate offices. 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. The Meijers generously supported the 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. The couple moved to Grand Rapids in 1951 and Lena continued to work in the business until the birth in 1952 of the first of three sons. It was there that she met Fred Meijer, the grocer's son. Frederik Meijer also funded trails in the areaand the two donated art to theGrand Rapids Art Museum. No, she chose to not question how her sons wealth went from $10.2 Billion at the beginning of the pandemic, to $16.9 Billion after the first 18 months of the pandemic. (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. Grand Rapids, MI, is where Lena Meijerlives today. 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. Meijer is one of My Favorite Hangouts:)God BlessXO. We smile as we think of Lenas love of flowers and how the Meijer Gardens shares that passion with so many others. Lena was a woman of great kindness, compassion and generosity. Praying for God's comfort and strength in the coming days, and that His peace will abide in you. We have found Lena was a very good example of what we should all emulate. Check all background information that MyLife has gathered. I was fortunate enough to have met Fred and Lena at store 50 in Cascade when I was closing the deli. Rapids, McLogan said. To the Meijer family, my prayers and thoughts are with you. 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. Now, as I go for cancer treatment each week at Lemmon Holton Cancer Pavilion, I am greeted by their statues in the lobby. Kids can explore and learn through climbing, water play, touching, smelling, digging, and thinking. Robotic Surgery Expands To Cardiac Lena Meijer, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, spouse and partner of the late retailing entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died January 15, 2022 provided an educational anchor on the east end of Grand Rapids Lena Rader Meijer dies at 102 - WZZM13.com Born Lena Rader on May 14, 1919, she worked hard on the small family farm just outside the Montcalm County community of Amble while she grew up, helping the family earn an income. This is why Meijer and DeVos, and the other members of the Grand Rapids Power Structure, get their names on buildings, because we as a society do not have sufficient class consciousness. Lena Meijer is survived by her three sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. and Mark started the Life ambulance company and would come in the store and chat with me often while I worked nights in the bakery. Our mothers kept up on the phone with lots of things to discuss-including the ostrich eggs they each decorated. Condolences to the Meijer family on this loss. Who's Searching for You, Look Your Best to People Searching for You. Once again, the local news media had nothing but positive and glowing commentary about someone who was part of the Grand Rapids Power Structure. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. I am grateful to the Meijer family for all my years of service with the Meijer company. Your parents have left a great legacy and are now re-united in heaven. She was the wife of Fred Meijer, the son of the founder of the Meijer grocery store chain. Lena Meijer They were instrumental in establishing Grand Valleys Health Campus Authors, which have both grown significantly over the years, are Lena also answers to Lena E Meijer, Lena Elizabeth Meijer and Lena E S Meijer, and perhaps a couple of other names. She and Fred delighted in welcoming visitors to the Gardens, including and especially children to her namesake Children's Garden. one of the individuals who helped establish Grand Valley and grow it Lena Meijer, noted philanthropist and wife of entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022,her family confirmed. stations to move into state-of-the-art studios in downtown Grand The couple moved to Grand Rapids in 1951 and Lena continued to work in the business until the birth in 1952 of the first of three sons. The Meijers are also remembered for their philanthropic endeavors. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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. Meijer Lena Meijer meant so much to so many, it is nearly impossible to measure her impact [] She must have been a wonderful woman to have raised such a kind and generous family. 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. Check Full Reputation Profile view. They were Remembering Lena Meijer - Lena's Story The Meijer gift enabled the universitys television and radio Lena also answers to Lena E Meijer, Lena Elizabeth Meijer and Lena Hank, Doug, Mark, and family. Grandma Lena was the warmest grandmother a grandson could ask for. [6] His wife Lena died at It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Lena Meijer. 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. In addition, they also supported the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavillon, Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital and United and Kelsey Hospitals. 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. Lena Meijer including the Frederik Meijer Opportunity Scholarship and the Frederik is lena meijer She met Hendrik's son, Frederik, there, and the two married in 1946. An employee at great no. (File photo), Anna Moore Butzner / The Grand Rapids Press, Fred Meijer and wife, Lena, behind, after the unveiling of the A.J. She's photographed here on Feb. 9, 2005 in front of Lena Meijer was by her husbands side as the Meijer company grew from a single store into a retail giant. It was at the Meijer Thrift Market in Greenville she met her husband, Fred Meijer, who ran the store alongside his father. I miss Fred and Lena so much! (The Grand Rapids Press/Paul L. Newby II), Lena Meijer shares a moment with her granddaughter as they await the arrival of the Dutch King and Queen outside of Frederik Meijer Gardens on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. They were married in 1946. universitys expansion over the years, including Grand Valleys Meijer I turned them down at first and then I changed my mind. She also excelled at sports and was one of the few girls the boys would allow to play baseball with them. Later in life, your folks made sure to visit my folks several times a year. Authors, Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Grand Valley celebrates life of longtime community philanthropist, I had a good time.. Lena Meijer 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. Yet she also presided over a bustling household, cooking dinner for the family most every evening. government sources. His first employees included his 14-year-old son, Frederik Meijer, who later became chairman of the company. To my former next door neighbor, Mark, my deepest sympathy. Their marriage was often described as a true partnership. 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. She truly meant it when she asked how our family was. Lena was so sweet and would give me a hug & a kiss on the cheek each time we met. supporting education and the West Michigan community. Lena Meijer It was a pleasure meeting you and Lena." Broadcast Center. 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. Lena and her husband, Frederik (Fred), were passionate about In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. The Michigan native and member of the Meijer Board of Directors was born in I tried to make my garden look as good as hers, she said with a laugh. 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. Lena Meijer was by her husbands side as the Meijer company grew from a single store into a retail giant. Boardman Meijer Nears Opening, Highlights Community Learn more in our Privacy Policy. She was the daughter of German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader. WebLena Meijer, the philanthropic wife of grocery store magnate Fred Meijer, died on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 at the age of 102. Lena Meijer Obituary (1919 - 2022) - Grand Rapids Press We helped with the haying.. longtime and generous supporters of the university. Campus in Holland, built on land they gave to the university. It has been just over a week now that Lena Meijer, the wife of Fred Meijer, passed away. People who have economic and political power will almost always look out for other people who have economic and political power. Look at Frederik Meijer Gardens 20 Years I first met Lena and Fred at the opening of the Frederik Meijer Gardens, where I worked as a horticulturist. records, Lawsuits, Liens, Bankruptcies & sex offender status for Lena Meijer. Over the years, I had occasion to see them often there and even helped Lena decorate a Christmas tree once. She was 102. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. WebLena was the daughter of a farmer near Lakeview, Michigan. Prayers to all of you who love her and will miss her. She was the daughter of German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader. for Lena Meijer Lena was the constant presence at Freds side.. Meijer First Generation Honors College Scholarship. 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. What an amazing legacy she (they) left behind. 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. The art and sculpture feature important works of contemporary and modern art. They came in to get some lunch meat shaved for the dogs? 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. 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. Reviews help It was there that she met Fred Meijer, the grocers son. You were truly blessed to have such a wonderful person to be your mother. The gardens were always special to her and she took pride in the way the project grew. As a child, she and her siblings would play in the corn crib when it was empty. He called up on a Friday and said, Can you be to work on Monday? And that was April Fools Day, Lena Meijer continued. Grand Rapids, MI, is where Lena Meijer lives today. She is survived by her three sons, who help run the family business, and several grandchildren. She and her husband were known to be generous with their time and their wealth. She is survived by her sons, seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. The next day they came in and asked my manager to see me. Four years after the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center opened, the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion opened at Spectrum, named for two former Meijer employees and funded in part by the Meijers. Guide to the Meijer Gardens with Kids, Grand 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.". My mother and I were talking about the times we met Mrs. Meijer. The Childrens Garden is not only entertaining but also educational. scholarships benefit first-generation students. Spectrum Health Names New Foundation President They were both recognized as part of GVSU's Hall of Fame as "Grand Stewards" of the university, "recognizing their lifetime contributions to the university and the West Michigan community," the school said in a post honoring her. to see who they are and learn about them, based on information from public records and government sources. Lena was born May 14, 1919 on the family farm near Lakeview, Michigan. She worked at the store for four years before meeting her husband, Fred Meijer, whom she married in 1946. Lena Meijer rarely spoke in public, instead letting her more outgoing husband accept the couples honors. WebMeijer died on November 25, 2011, at the Spectrum Health System in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after suffering a stroke in his Grand Rapids home. Our mothers burned up the phone lines too with lots to discuss-including the ostrich eggs they both decorated. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Lena Meijer, member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Frederik Meijer, died Saturday at the age of 102. Lena will be remembered as one of the individuals who helped establish Grand Valley and grow it into the outstanding university it is today," GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella said in the post. Grand Valley and West Michigan are remembering Lena Meijer, who died Grand Valley and West Michigan are remembering Lena Meijer, who died on January 15. 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. "Her impact on the lives of students will be remembered for generations to come.. I will also ask you to extend my sympathies to the rest of your family. Her involvement with the business continued until the birth of the first of their three sons, Hank, Doug and Mark, in 1952. Lena Meijer, the wife of Frederik Meijer, passed away on Saturday, January 15. Lets take the Meijer Family. She and Fred delighted in welcoming visitors to the Gardens, including and especially children to her namesake Childrens Garden. I looked her up online and we were saddened to learn of her passing earlier this year. Lena Meijer, the wife of Frederik Meijer, passed away on Saturday, January 15. She was proceeded in death by her husband, who died in November 2011 at the age of 91. But this is the con. People dont get rich because they are hard workers, they get rich by exploiting people and resources. For the health and safety of everyone, our offices are temporarily closed to the public. 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.. Lena and Fred generously gave the lead gift in support of the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center. 2372 times She invited me to a first dance. Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. Her husband Fred Meijer, the co-founder of Meijer stores, died 10 years ago. Lena Meijer, the wife of Frederik Meijer, passed away on Saturday, January 15. Lena will be remembered as For many years she decorated the German Christmas tree as a volunteer at the Gardens. I was a cashier that started at the Norton Shores store. Your mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother chatted with me the entire time. My condolences to this average like the rest of us family, what wonderful giving people they are. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Your mom was a wonderful lady and I dearly loved her.