Your mom was a wonderful lady, and I dearly loved her. Both of these Fred and Lena would give Ice Cream Gift cards. Lena and her husband, Frederik (Fred), were passionate Background details that you might want to know about Lena include: ethnicity is Caucasian, whose political affiliation is currently a registered Unaffiliated/Non Affiliated; and religious views are listed as Christian. Lets take the Meijer Family. They were instrumental in establishing Grand Valleys Health Campus The Michigan native and member of the Meijer Board of Directors was born in Lakeview in 1919 and graduated from Lakeview Highschool in 1937. (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. Published by Grand Rapids Press from Jan. 15 to Jan. 18, 2022. 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. Her gracious, giving spirit and dedication to her family, our company and our community were beyond measure and appreciated by many. They also contributed to Grand Rapids medical industry. People dont get rich because they are hard workers, they get rich by exploiting people and resources. Lena worked for the store for ten years. 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. including the Frederik Meijer Opportunity Scholarship and the Frederik to the university and the West Michigan community. She was 102. As a child, she and her siblings would play in the corn crib when it was empty. 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. His first employees included his 14-year-old son, Frederik Meijer, who later became chairman of the company. 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. WebLena was the daughter of a farmer near Lakeview, Michigan. Lena Rader Meijer, longtime member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Fred Meijer, has passed at the age of 102. We have lost a very Sweet Lady. My condolences to this average like the rest of us family, what wonderful giving people they are. The world lost a very down-to-earth lady with a big heart. in We are grateful that she is at peace after a long, full, and impactful life. WebWhen you need advanced cardiovascular care, Spectrum Health Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids has everything you and your doctor need under one roof, including: Advanced cardiovascular imaging Around-the-clock access to a team that specializes in life-saving treatments Cardiothoracic critical care See Our summers were spent in Tamarack Creek; the woolen suits rarely dried out before we put them back on jumped back into the water. 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. Acclaimed Orchid Wall. "Our family will forever cherish the memories and legacy she created with Grandpa Fred.". longtime and generous supporters of the university. Dick. I was fortunate enough to have met Fred and Lena at store 50 in Cascade when I was closing the deli. Is Lena Meijer alive? Lena and Fred both were so genuine and kind and they will be sorely missed. 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. 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. She is home with her beloved husband. We extend our sympathies at the loss of your family matriarch. Highlights Top Back to Page Nav. Her involvement with the business continued until the birth of the first of their three sons, Hank, Doug and Mark, in 1952. 11. Matt McLogan, vice president for University In addition, they also supported the Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavillon, Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital and United and Kelsey Hospitals. She worked at the store for four years before meeting her husband, Fred Meijer, whom she married in 1946. Learn more in our Privacy Policy. Our family will forever cherish the memories and legacy she created with Grandpa Fred, the tweet said. Lena and I were best friends growing up in Lakeview. In the natural world, she developed a special fondness for penguins, amassing a collection of penguin-related items in all shapes and sizes. People like her and the Meijer family are rare indeed. Such a sincere and gracious couple, we are so lucky to have had some time with them in our lives. Always a pleasure to see her at the office, stores and events. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. (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. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? in a very short time. 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 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. Great memories. Our condolences to the whole family. "Grandma Lena was the warmest grandmother a grandson could ask for," said Rep. Peter Meijer, her grandson, in a tweet. I remember Fred very well, Doug was a lines mgr. The Frederik Meijer Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. The Michigan native and member of the Meijer Board of Directors was born in From the couple's first trip to Europe-and her first airplane ride-in 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. Later in life, your folks made sure to visit my folks several times a year. Lena passed on Saturday, Jan. 15. View court, arrest, criminal/conviction 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. The Meijers are also remembered for their philanthropic endeavors. An employee at great no. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Lena was born May 14, 1919 on the family farm near Lakeview, Michigan. Yet she also presided over a bustling household, cooking dinner for the family most every evening. One of Lena Meijers biggest legacies may be Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Who's Searching for You, Look Your Best to People Searching for You. We use cookies to personalize & enhance your experience. Lena had a long-standing relationship with Spectrum Health. Lena and Fred were part of Grand Valleys Hall of Fame as Grand Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederick Meijer, died Saturday. There, as at Meijer, her affection for the dedicated volunteers and coworkers was always evident. She was the daughter of German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader. It was a pleasure meeting you and Lena." Lena Meijer was by her husbands side as the Meijer company grew from a single store into a retail giant. If you clock it, knock off half for her half.. 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. It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Lena Meijer. Post or read reviews for Lena Meijer She was the daughter of German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader. to see complete work history. Grand Rapids, MI. (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. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) An icon of the Meijer retail store brand has died. Always there. They were A private ceremony for the family is planned. "Her impact on the lives of students will WebLena Meijeris 103 years old and was born on 05/14/1919. A private family ceremony is planned. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lena Meijer Children's Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. The Meijers generously supported the 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. scholarships benefit first-generation students. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. 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 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. (MLive file photo). 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. Grandma Lena was the warmest grandmother a grandson could ask for. Your mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother chatted with me the entire time. 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. were active in multiple campaigns and projects, providing leadership Expand the Memories and Condolences form. 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. She then dedicated herself to their family. Lena Rader Meijer. (Emily Zoladz | The Grand Rapids Press), A photo of Frederik and Lena Meijer was featured in the 2019 exhibit "A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy" at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. May the memories of your happy times with a remarkable lady comfort you as you grieve her passing. Campus in Holland, built on land they gave to the university. 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. Meijer was then offered a job by Hendrik Meijer at his Meijers Thrift Market in Greenville where she worked as a bookkeeper and cashier. I never met the Meijer's , but remember them behind my lane. MyLife aggregates publicly available information from government, social, and other sources, plus personal reviews written by others. She's photographed here on Feb. 9, 2005 in front of The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. I told him it was not a problem and that was what I was there for and that I didn't mind at all. for Lena Meijer She had a warm and giving spirit, that was evident from the moment she walked in any room. She had a. to see possible family members, friends, co-workers, and associates found from multiple government records, social and public sources. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. Lena is alive and kicking and is currently 47 years old. We're very honored to be able to say we were both employees of Meijer for many years. 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. 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.. By using our site, you agree to our use of cookies. What information about Lena are you looking for? Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The gardens were always special to her and she took pride in the way the project grew. It was at the Meijer Thrift Market in Greenville she met her husband, Fred Meijer, who ran the store alongside his father. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Our farms were next to each other. For the health and safety of everyone, our offices are temporarily closed to the public. Join Local 4 News, First at 4 with Karen Drew and Kim Adams, streaming live on Local 4+, Dave Bartkowiak Jr., Digital Managing Editor. Lena Meijer, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, spouse and partner of the late retailing entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died January 15, 2022 She cherished memories of camel rides and hot-air balloon flights, golf tournaments and cycling trips. Thinking of you at this time of Sadness. My sincere condolences, and prayers for Hank, Doug, and the entire Meijer family. For years, she decorated the German Christmas tree at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. 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). A WOODTV8 story uses the headline, Fred and Lena Meijer remembered for belief in community. 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. provided the leadership to help establish the WGVU Meijer Public further examples oftheir consistent investment in the lives of Grand 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. 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. Her life epitomized the type of family she was from. Generations of students have taken advantage This may contain information such as company name, job title, address, and time period of service. 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. Fred and Lena had three sonsHank, Doug, and Mark. 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 and Fred generously gave the lead gift in support of the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center. 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. Sympathy to all the Meijer family. Honors College and the Frederik Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. She was 102. 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. She was a champion of health care, the arts, nature, education and business. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Meidert, Beatrice - Mejia Benitez, Darwin. Lena Meijer is 103 years old and was born on 05/14/1919. I had the privilege of knowing your families during my 43 year employment at the Meijer corporate offices. Lena Meijer, noted philanthropist and wife of entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022,her family confirmed. 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. My Husband Lee was their Mailman when they lived on Meadowfield. A very blessed lady that we proud to have known in my years with Meijer. Grand Valley and West Michigan are remembering Lena Meijer, who died on January 15. Freds father hired me as a cashier in his store, Lena Meijer remembered. 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. This section can be locked, requiring permission to 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. 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. We smile as we think of Lenas love of flowers and how the Meijer Gardens shares that passion with so many others. The Meijer Family established multiple scholarships at Grand Valley, 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. In 1949, the first 1:00 Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. 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.. Sorry to hear of Your Moms Death. (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 will be remembered as 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. What a pleasure it was to know Lena. 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. My deepest sympathies to the Meijer family and all who loved Lena, I send my deepest sympathy to the entire Meijer family. 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. She passed away on Saturday, at the age of 102. She cherished memories of camel rides and hot-air balloon flights, golf tournaments and cycling trips. * 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. Who's Searching for You, Relatives, Associates, Neighbors & Classmates, See all testimonies from people that know Lena. She truly meant it when she asked how our family was. Fred and Lena Meijer at a GVU Foundation event; they are recognized as Grand Stewards of the university. Authors, which have both grown significantly over the years, are to see possible family members, friends, co-workers, and associates found from multiple government records, social and public sources. I was a cashier that started at the Norton Shores store. supporting education and the West Michigan community. My deepest sympathy to Hank, Doug, Mark and their families. To my former next door neighbor, Mark, my deepest sympathy. 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. They do this because they do not want the public to think about how they became so rich and powerful. community leader, Campus community mourns death of Bea Idema. The next day they came in and asked my manager to see me. Lena was a woman of great kindness, compassion and generosity. 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. Rest in peace, Mrs. Meijer, and I'm so glad you are with your husband once again. My mother and I were talking about the times we met Mrs. Meijer. with their generous gift for the Cook-DeVos Center for Health The two donated land for the Frederik Meijer Gardens andSculpture Park, a cultural destination known for its stunning botanical gardens and art. of this special opportunity to study and learn while serving listeners GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) An icon of the Meijer retail store brand has died. So sorry for your loss. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lenas name may be made to the Lena Meijer Childrens Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. 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. 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. God bless you all. 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. WebDoug and Hank Meijer's tribute to their mom. 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. The Meijers I looked her up online and we were saddened to learn of her passing earlier this year. Lena Meijer rarely spoke in public, instead letting her more outgoing husband accept the couples honors. She was "an enthusiastic partner" to her husband as the Meijer business grew, but she also tended closely to her household. linden teacher found dead,