Lena was a very good example of what we should all emulate. government sources. Meijer was then offered a job by Hendrik Meijer at his Meijers Thrift Market in Greenville where she worked as a bookkeeper and cashier. Sweet memories!! What a pleasure it was to know Lena. 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. We are sadden by the news of your lovely mom passing. Prayers for the family. 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 was a woman of great kindness, compassion and generosity. It was there that she met Fred Meijer, the grocers son. Lena Meijer attends the groundbreaking for the Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids on Monday, June 26, 2017. GVSU also released a statement that wants us all to believe that Lena Meijer made an impact on the lives of students. "Our family will forever cherish the memories and legacy she created with Grandpa Fred.". A private family ceremony is planned. As a child, she and her siblings would play in the corn crib when it was empty. Meijer died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 at the age of 102. 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. Gabriella and I are saddened to share that our beloved grandmother, Lena Meijer, passed away today at the age of 102. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Her husband Fred Meijer, the co-founder of Meijer stores, died 10 years ago. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Our mothers burned up the phone lines too with lots to discuss-including the ostrich eggs they both decorated. 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 had a warm and giving spirit, that was evident from the moment she walked in any room. I miss Fred and Lena so much! Memorial contributions may be made to the Lena Meijer Children's Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. Yet she also presided over a bustling household, cooking dinner for the family most every evening. Authors, Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Grand Valley celebrates life of longtime community philanthropist, Meijer is one of My Favorite Hangouts:)God BlessXO. Lena Meijer GOD Bless you all. (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. MyLife aggregates publicly available information from government, social, and other sources, plus personal reviews written by others. Both both of your parents were exceptional people. Broadcast Center. She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, Yet she also presided over a bustling household, cooking dinner for the family most every evening. We know that Lena is married at this point. [6] His wife Lena died at Lena Meijers death bring emptiness to Gardens In 1940, she moved to Greenville, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier. 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. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) An icon of the Meijer retail store brand has died. Lena also answers to Lena E Meijer, Lena Elizabeth Meijer and Lena E S Meijer, and perhaps a couple of other names. 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. We use cookies to personalize & enhance your experience. Meijer You were truly blessed to have such a wonderful person to be your mother. For the health and safety of everyone, our offices are temporarily closed to the public. Fred and Lena Meijer at a GVU Foundation event; they are recognized as Grand Stewards of the university. My deepest sympathy to you, Hank, Doug, Mark and your families. Grand Valley celebrates the life of Lena Meijer - GVNext Rest in peace, Mrs. Meijer, and I'm so glad you are with your husband once again. to see who they are and learn about them, based on information from public records and government sources. Shes not that bashful at home. In later years, your folks always made sure to visit mine several times a year. Meijer worked in the business until 1952 when she had her first three sons: Hank, Doug and Mark. She was always friendly and a very positive person. stations to move into state-of-the-art studios in downtown Grand universitys expansion over the years, including Grand Valleys Meijer were active in multiple campaigns and projects, providing leadership She is survived by her sons, seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederick Meijer, died Saturday. Always there. Copyright 2022 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. on January 15. I turn 101 on May 27th this year-our birthdays were just two weeks apart. The couple hadthree sons, Hank, Doug and Mark. 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. She's photographed here on Feb. 9, 2005 in front of They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. My deepest sympathies to Hank, Doug, Mark and the Meijer family. The two donated land for the Frederik Meijer Gardens andSculpture Park, a cultural destination known for its stunning botanical gardens and art. 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. Enter the Childrens Garden through the three-foot-tall mouse hole entrance and get ready to have all five senses stimulated. Lena Meijer, wife of grocery store giant, dies at 102 Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Check Full Reputation Profile Photo taken on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. A private ceremony for the family is planned. In addition, they also supported the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavillon, Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital and United and Kelsey Hospitals. Lena passed on Saturday, Jan. 15. Meijer was active in the Grand Rapids Public schools and also served in other civic roles, according to her obituary. Look at Frederik Meijer Gardens 20 Years In the natural world, she developed a special fondness for penguins, amassing a collection of penguin-related items in all shapes and sizes. Lena Meijer died last week at the age of 102. Your mom and my dad were first cousins, and I can remember as a little girl going to Greenville, when they still lived there, to celebrate their birthdays. Love, hugs and prayers to the family. My deepest sympathy to Hank, Doug, Mark and their families. We each had been at different outings , and we were talking about how sweet and interesting she was to talk to. I give them a "hello" and it always brings a smile to my face to see them. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. She truly meant it when she asked how our family was. 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. WebMeijer was a local barber who entered the grocery business during the Great Depression. It was already viewed An employee at great no. university supporter, Grand Valley celebrates the life of Christos T. Panopoulos, business and This profile was gathered from multiple public and 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. to the university and the West Michigan community. We played "store" using the corn rib; Lena was always the store keeper and I was the shopper. 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.. It just kind of overwhelms me every time I come out here how much weve grown, she once said. provided the leadership to help establish the WGVU Meijer Public 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. Over the years, I had occasion to see them often there and even helped Lena decorate a Christmas tree once. Meijer and her husband also donated to several other causes. Relations, recalled the impact of their support. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. For years, she decorated the German Christmas tree at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. 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. The Michigan native and member of the Meijer Board of Directors was born in Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. I looked her up online and we were saddened to learn of her passing earlier this year. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. She was proceeded in death by her husband, who died in November 2011 at the age of 91. Join Local 4 News, First at 4 with Karen Drew and Kim Adams, streaming live on Local 4+, Dave Bartkowiak Jr., Digital Managing Editor. You have funeral questions, we have answers. She was 102. Frederik Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Your mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother chatted with me the entire time. Contact Us, GVNext is a publication of Grand Valley State University University Communications. 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. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. (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. 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. that directly benefit students. She was 102. Lena Post or read reviews for Lena Meijer Lena moved to Greenville, Michigan in 1940, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier in the original Meijer supermarket. Many of the items that are sold in the Meijer stores rely on workers who pick food or manufacture clothing, etc., workers who make poverty-level wages. I had a good time.. 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. In 1949, the first into the outstanding university it is today," said President 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. 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. 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. Aquinas College joins the West Michigan community and beyond in mourning the loss of Lena Meijer. There, as at Meijer, her affection for the dedicated volunteers and coworkers was always evident. She passed away on Saturday, at the age of 102. My Husband Lee was their Mailman when they lived on Meadowfield. 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. Lena had a long-standing relationship with Spectrum Health. Despite being among the richest people in the country, the Meijers lived modestly and gave generously to countless organizations and projects in the community, including the renovated Grand Rapids Civic Theatre in 2006. Richard M. DeVos Center and the L. William Seidman Center. The Meijer name on the The wealth from the Meijer family alone could eliminate poverty in West Michigan and provide sufficient funds for housing and health care for all. 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. A very blessed lady that we proud to have known in my years with Meijer. Lena Meijer, wife of West Michigan retail giant, dead at 102 and support to help create the Pew Grand Rapids Campus, including the Authors, which have both grown significantly over the years, are 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. We are grateful that she is at peace after a long, full, and impactful life. Lena Meijer The organizations she helped over her lifetime paid tribute to include Spectrum Health who issued the following statement. She must have been a wonderful woman to have raised such a kind and generous family. Kids can explore and learn through climbing, water play, touching, smelling, digging, and thinking. 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Lena Meijer, wife of grocery store giant, dies at 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. Lena and Fred Meijer were wed in 1946. Lena Meijer rarely spoke in public, instead letting her more outgoing husband accept the couples honors. (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. Re-Thinking the Life of Lena Meijer and her Billionaire There, as at Meijer, her affection for the dedicated volunteers and coworkers was always evident. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Lena Rader Meijer, longtime member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Fred Meijer, has passed at the age of 102. Condolences to the Meijer family on this loss. Grand Valley and West Michigan are remembering Lena Meijer, who died It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Lena Meijer. There, as at Meijer, her affection for the dedicated volunteers and coworkers was always evident. 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. Sign up and receive the latest Grand Valley headlines delivered to your email inbox each morning. Lena Meijer Once again, the local news media had nothing but positive and glowing 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. Sciences, which led the way for the growth of health programs and Stewards of the university,recognizing their lifetime contributions Remembering Lena Meijer, philanthropist and wife to The next day they came in and asked my manager to see me. A Statement from Aquinas College Interim President Links are provided for reference only and MyLife.com does not imply any connection or relationship between MyLife.com and these companies. Lena Meijer, the wife of Frederik Meijer, passed away on Saturday, January 15. She had a. This third-party data is then indexed through methods similar to those used by Google or Bing to create a listing. Wife of retail giant Frederik Meijer, Lena Meijer dies at 102 He called up on a Friday and said, Can you be to work on Monday? And that was April Fools Day, Lena Meijer continued. Ways to honor Lena Meijer's life and legacy. Lena Meijer, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, spouse and partner of the late retailing entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died January 15, 2022 Lena moved to Greenville, Michigan in 1940, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier in the original Meijer supermarket. Please enter a valid email address to subscribe. with their generous gift for the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Could new DNA tech crack the JonBenet Ramsey case? They were instrumental in establishing Grand Valleys Health Campus 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 In the natural world, she developed a special fondness for penguins, amassing a collection of penguin-related items in all shapes and sizes. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Later in life, your folks made sure to visit my folks several times a year. She was 102. Matt McLogan, vice president for University Rapids, McLogan said. Her husband, Fred, died in 2011 at 91 years old. below. Who's Searching for You, Look Your Best to People Searching for You. Lena Rader Meijer dies at 102 - WZZM13.com This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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. What an amazing legacy she (they) left behind. I have made one visit to the Garden's saw the Butterfly's, and was amazed by the horse statue. She graduated from Lakeview High School in 1937 and got a job at a Lakeview bank as a teller and bookkeeper. 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. She was 102. Lena Meijer (Rader) Birthdate: estimated between 1887 and 1945 : Death: Immediate Family: Daughter of George Rader and Mary M Rader Wife of Frederik Meijer Lena Elizabeth Meijer, 103 - Grand Rapids, MI Lena Meijer died Saturday, Jan. 15, at the age of 102. Fred shook my hand and said " Lisa I was very impressed with the service you gave us last night and I just wanted to give you a coupon for a free soda" I told him "Well it was a pleasure and you really don't have to get me a coke. It was there that she met Fred Meijer, the grocer's son. 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. She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother,great-grandmother and partner to Frederik Meijer as he built up the grocery store chain. It was a pleasure for me to work for your family business from 10th grade until I retired. WebDoug and Hank Meijer's tribute to their mom. A private ceremony is planned. Cacao Trees. They also contributed to Grand Rapids medical industry. Your family was blessed to have her for so many years. My first paycheck job was at the #20 Alpine store, being the closest one to Corporate we always had the big wigs coming in. 1 Campus Drive She was "an enthusiastic partner" to her husband as the Meijer business grew, but she also tended closely to her household. The Meijer company is remembering the life and legacy of one its oldest family members. She is home with her beloved husband. In 2004, the hospital opened the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center. Lena 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. Make a tax-deductible contribution to support her work at bit.ly/freepRFA. Honors College and the Frederik Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan The world lost a very down-to-earth lady with a big heart. BOARDMAN, Ohio An enlarged photo of Lena Meijer working a cash register sits above a group of workers filing out for the day. My thoughts and prayers are with you Hank, Doug and Mark and your families. In the natural world, she developed a special fondness for penguins, amassing a collection of penguin-related items in all shapes and sizes. 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 also passionate about public television. A private family ceremony is planned. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. 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. Your family was always an inspiration to me because you walked the talk which was to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
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