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. 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. Make a tax-deductible contribution to support her work at bit.ly/freepRFA. Check Full Reputation Profile 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. Lena and Fred both were so genuine and kind and they will be sorely missed. Such a sincere and gracious couple, we are so lucky to have had some time with them in our lives. She truly meant it when she asked how our family was. She passed away on Saturday, at the age of 102. to the university and the West Michigan community. They came in to get some lunch meat shaved for the dogs? to see who they are and learn about them, based on information from public records and government sources. 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.. Prayers to all of you who love her and will miss her. She was 102. 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. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Family members wish to thank all those who helped with Lena's care in the home, with her transportation and with other assistance. WebLena Meijeris 103 years old and was born on 05/14/1919. We retired to the U.P. Authors, which have both grown significantly over the years, are The two donated land for the Frederik Meijer Gardens andSculpture Park, a cultural destination known for its stunning botanical gardens and art. If youre shopping for a new purse, check out these luxurious bags that look quite high-end, but cost less than $100. In the natural world, she developed a special fondness for penguins, amassing a collection of penguin-related items in all shapes and sizes. 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 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. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. Always a pleasure to see her at the office, stores and events. Lena Meijer is survived by her three sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grand Rapids, MI. (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. The Meijers had three sons, Doug, Hankand Mark. A private ceremony for the family is planned. There, as at Meijer, her affection for the dedicated volunteers and coworkers was always evident. 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. (MLive file photo). Lena also answers to Lena E Meijer, Lena Elizabeth Meijer and Lena Lena and her husband, Frederik (Fred), were passionate Highlights Top Back to Page Nav. 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. to see possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records and public sources. Then, one day, she got an unexpected phone call from Hendrik Meijer, who said some of the workers at his store knew Lena and had suggested he hire her. I remember Fred very well, Doug was a lines mgr. Meijer First Generation Honors College Scholarship. She's photographed here on Feb. 9, 2005 in front of The Michigan native and member of the Meijer Board of Directors was born in Lena worked for the store for ten years. 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It was a hot day and she made sure I left with business-size card for a free ice cream at the Purple Cow. She was the daughter of German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader. The next day they came in and asked my manager to see me. The wealth from the Meijer family alone could eliminate poverty in West Michigan and provide sufficient funds for housing and health care for all. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Lena and Fred Meijer sit next to a statue of Fred at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Philomena V. Mantella. I will also ask you to extend my sympathies to the rest of your family. Thinking of you at this time of Sadness. Jump To. Very nice couple. if memory serves. Honors College and the Frederik Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Grand Rapids, MI, is where Lena Meijer lives today. Grand Valley and West Michigan are remembering Lena Meijer, who died on January 15. 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. were active in multiple campaigns and projects, providing leadership 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. (AP Photo/Adam Bird). David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Because MyLife only collects this data and does not create it, we cannot fully guarantee its accuracy. Always there. Celebrating The Life Of 2372 times Lena also answers to Lena E Meijer, Lena Elizabeth Meijer and Lena E S Meijer, and perhaps a couple of other names. 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. 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. An employee at great no. Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. Consider offering these words of comfort if you're not sure what's appropriate. Medical Mile. She worked at the store for four years before meeting her husband, Fred Meijer, whom she married in 1946. Cacao Trees. She is survived by her sons, seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. See Check all background information that MyLife has gathered. I told him it was not a problem and that was what I was there for and that I didn't mind at all. I give them a "hello" and it always brings a smile to my face to see them. BOARDMAN, Ohio An enlarged photo of Lena Meijer working a cash register sits above a group of workers filing out for the day. 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. Our summers were spent in Tamarack Creek; the woolen suits rarely dried out before we put them back on jumped back into the water. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. This third-party data is then indexed through methods similar to those used by Google or Bing to create a listing. My deepest sympathy to Hank, Doug, Mark and their families. Loved working for the company in many different jobs in the stores as well as in the office. WebLena was the daughter of a farmer near Lakeview, Michigan. She was 102. I had a good time.. He called up on a Friday and said, Can you be to work on Monday? And that was April Fools Day, Lena Meijer continued. I was fortunate enough to have met Fred and Lena at store 50 in Cascade when I was closing the deli. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, in 2011. 1:00 Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, in 2011. 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. God bless you all. She will be greatly missed.. This may contain information such as company name, job title, address, and time period of service. Lena will be remembered as 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 Meijer, the wife of Frederik Meijer, passed away on Saturday, January 15. Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. 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. 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. Prayers for the family. She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, If you clock it, knock off half for her half.. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. university supporter, Grand Valley celebrates the life of Christos T. Panopoulos, business and Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. WebLena Meijer, the philanthropic wife of grocery store magnate Fred Meijer, died on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 at the age of 102. 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. Lena had a long-standing relationship with Spectrum Health. of their gift. Mrs. Meijer was the true epitome of a woman, wife and mother. 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 Lena moved to Greenville, Michigan in 1940, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier in the original Meijer supermarket. My condolences to this average like the rest of us family, what wonderful giving people they are. GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) An icon of the Meijer retail store brand has died. Check Full Reputation Profile Generations of students have taken advantage So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to Hank, Doug, Mark and their families at this sad time. Lena She then dedicated herself to their family. view. A private ceremony is planned. Your mom was a wonderful lady and I dearly loved her. Lena passed on Saturday, Jan. 15. to see possible family members, friends, co-workers, and associates found from multiple government records, social and public sources. 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. Lena Meijer, the wife of Frederik Meijer, passed away on Saturday, January 15. She cherished memories of camel rides and hot-air balloon flights, golf tournaments and cycling trips. If we dont stop worshipping members of the Capitalist Class, like Lena Meijer, not much will change. My best also to Mary Beth. This section can be locked, requiring permission to The Meijer gift enabled the universitys television and radio People like her and the Meijer family are rare indeed. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. You dont marry a person, especially when the business is there, you marry the business; you marry the family, Fred Meijer said in 2003. They were married in 1946. They alsohelped lead the capital campaign for what would becomethe Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. (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. to see possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records and public sources. May the memories of your happy times with a remarkable lady comfort you as you grieve her passing. Gabriella and I are saddened to share that our beloved grandmother, Lena Meijer, passed away today at the age of 102. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Lena Rader Meijer, longtime member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Fred Meijer, has passed at the age of 102. Sympathy to all the Meijer family. Her gracious, giving spirit and dedication to her family, our company and our community were beyond measure and appreciated by many. 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. For years, she decorated the German Christmas tree at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Lena Meijer, noted philanthropist and wife of entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022,her family confirmed. She had a warm and giving spirit, that was evident from the moment she walked in any room. But this is the con. Our mothers burned up the phone lines too with lots to discuss-including the ostrich eggs they both decorated. Lena Meijer had a fondness forgardens andmaintained a rose garden at the family's home in Grand Rapids. My sincere condolences, and prayers for Hank, Doug, and the entire Meijer family. Beautiful memories!! 1 Campus Drive 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. Lena Meijer died last week at the age of 102. 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. I looked her up online and we were saddened to learn of her passing earlier this year. Lena was a woman of great kindness, compassion and generosity. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. Is Lena Meijer alive? You have funeral questions, we have answers. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Great memories. and viewers with great PBS and NPR programs. The Michigan native and member of the Meijer Board of Directors was born in Lakeview in 1919 and graduated from Lakeview Highschool in 1937. Her husband Fred Meijer, the co-founder of Meijer stores, died 10 years ago. 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 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. Sciences, which led the way for the growth of health programs and Check Full Reputation Profile We know that Lena is married at this point. Rest in peace, Mrs. Meijer, and I'm so glad you are with your husband once again. 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. Frederik Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan stations to move into state-of-the-art studios in downtown Grand Yet she also presided over a bustling household, cooking dinner for the family most every evening. WebDoug and Hank Meijer's tribute to their mom. 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. 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. Sign up and receive the latest Grand Valley headlines delivered to your email inbox each morning. 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. She is survived by her three sons, who help run the family business, and several grandchildren. 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. businesses, and does affect the Reputation Score. She and Fred delighted in welcoming visitors to the Gardens, including and especially children to her namesake Childrens Garden. I had the privilege of knowing your families during my 43 year employment at the Meijer corporate offices. Her involvement with the business continued until the birth of the first of their three sons, Hank, Doug and Mark, in 1952. 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. Fred and Lena Meijer at a GVU Foundation event; they are recognized as Grand Stewards of the university. She graduated from Lakeview High School in 1937 and got a job at a Lakeview bank as a teller and bookkeeper. Our family will forever cherish the memories and legacy she created with Grandpa Fred, the tweet said. GVSU also released a statement that wants us all to believe that Lena Meijer made an impact on the lives of students. We played "store" using the corn rib; Lena was always the store keeper and I was the shopper. She must have been a wonderful woman to have raised such a kind and generous family. Fred and Lena would give Ice Cream Gift cards. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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. below. Kinkel busts of the Meijers at the dedication of the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum Butterworth in 2004. 2023 The Detroit News, a Digital First Media Newspaper. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lena Meijer Children's Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. It just kind of overwhelms me every time I come out here how much weve grown, she once said. She was 102. There, as at Meijer, her affection for the dedicated volunteers and coworkers was always evident. Lena lived generously and her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched.. Lena is alive and kicking and is currently 47 years old. Ways to honor Lena Meijer's life and legacy. A private family ceremony is planned. MyLife aggregates publicly available information from government, social, and other sources, plus personal reviews written by others. Their marriage was often described as a true partnership. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends. I first met Lena and Fred at the opening of the Frederik Meijer Gardens, where I worked as a horticulturist. WebLena 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 The art and sculpture feature important works of contemporary and modern art. Taking into account various assets, Lena's net worth is greater than $25,000 - $49,999; and makes between $40 - 49,999 a year. Shes not that bashful at home. Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederick Meijer, died Saturday. She was proceeded in death by her husband, who died in November 2011 at the age of 91. Your mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother chatted with me the entire time. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Lets take the Meijer Family. further examples oftheir consistent investment in the lives of Grand Kids can explore and learn through climbing, water play, touching, smelling, digging, and thinking. Your mom was a wonderful lady, and I dearly loved her. I miss Fred and Lena so much! (File photo), Anna Moore Butzner / The Grand Rapids Press, Fred Meijer and wife, Lena, behind, after the unveiling of the A.J. I extend my deepest sympathy to Hank, Doug, Mark and the rest of the Meijer family. Grand Valley and West Michigan are remembering Lena Meijer, who died to see possible family members, friends, co-workers, and associates found from multiple government records, social and public sources. Lenas impact is felt through a wide range of programs and projects
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