Published by Grand Rapids Press from Jan. 15 to Jan. 18, 2022. Lena moved to Greenville, Michigan in 1940, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier in the original Meijer supermarket. She was 102. She was the daughter of German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader. I extend my deepest sympathy to Hank, Doug, Mark and the rest of the Meijer family. She is home with her beloved husband. provided an educational anchor on the east end of Grand Rapids She was 102. For the health and safety of everyone, our offices are temporarily closed to the public. (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. She and her husband were known to be generous with their time and their wealth. She then dedicated herself to their family. Family members wish to thank all those who helped with Lena's care in the home, with her transportation and with other assistance. Enter the Childrens Garden through the three-foot-tall mouse hole entrance and get ready to have all five senses stimulated. 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 hot day and she made sure I left with business-size card for a free ice cream at the Purple Cow. Grand Rapids, MI, is where Lena Meijerlives today. This section can be locked, requiring permission to I am grateful to the Meijer family for all my years of service with the Meijer company. "Her impact on the lives of students will be remembered for generations to come.. 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. 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. 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. one of the individuals who helped establish Grand Valley and grow it Lena Meijer, the wife of Frederik Meijer, passed away on Saturday, January 15. Yet she also presided over a bustling household, cooking dinner for the family most every evening. My deepest sympathy to Hank, Doug, Mark and their families. We played "store" using the corn rib; Lena was always the store keeper and I was the shopper. Lena Meijer, matriarch of Meijer family and The Meijers 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. The Meijers had three sons, Doug, Hankand Mark. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. Rapids, McLogan said. Lena had a long-standing relationship with Spectrum Health. 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 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. Grand Valley and West Michigan are remembering Lena Meijer, who died on January 15. Lena moved to Greenville, Michigan in 1940, where she was hired by Hendrik Meijer as a cashier in the original Meijer supermarket. Lena also answers to Lena E Meijer, Lena Elizabeth Meijer and Lena Generations of students have taken advantage Lena Rader Meijer, longtime member of the Meijer Board of Directors and wife of Fred Meijer, has passed at the age of 102. 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. In the natural world, she developed a special fondness for penguins, amassing a collection of penguin-related items in all shapes and sizes. Lena was a woman of great kindness, compassion and generosity. 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. Check Full Reputation Profile to see possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records and public sources. Love, hugs and prayers to the family. be remembered for generations to come.. 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.". 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. What an amazing legacy she (they) left behind. 1 (616) 331-2221 in people learn more about others, just like Yelp does for further examples oftheir consistent investment in the lives of Grand is lena meijer Lena Meijer (Rader) (deceased) - Genealogy They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. My best also to Mary Beth. to see who they are and learn about them, based on information from public records and government sources. 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. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. 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. Grandma Lena was the warmest grandmother a grandson could ask for. 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. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. In the natural world, she developed a special fondness for penguins, amassing a collection of penguin-related items in all shapes and sizes. God bless you all. 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. She cherished memories of camel rides and hot-air balloon flights, golf tournaments and cycling trips. It has been just over a week now that Lena Meijer, the wife of Fred Meijer, passed away. They alsohelped lead the capital campaign for what would becomethe Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, in 2011. She is remembered as a loving wife, The Meijers are also remembered for their philanthropic endeavors. Hank, Doug, Mark, and family. Lena Elizabeth Meijer, 103 - Grand Rapids, MI I remember Fred very well, Doug was a lines mgr. Lena was born May 14, 1919 on the family farm near Lakeview, Michigan. The Meijer Family Floor in CHS was named in recognition She must have been a wonderful woman to have raised such a kind and generous family. A Statement from Aquinas College Interim President Because MyLife only collects this data and does not create it, we cannot fully guarantee its accuracy. 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. GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) An icon of the Meijer retail store brand has died. Acclaimed Orchid Wall. She was proceeded in death by her husband, who died in November 2011 at the age of 91. 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. below. She was the daughter of German immigrants George Rader and Mary Lutterloh Rader. We use cookies to personalize & enhance your experience. I had a good time.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Meidert, Beatrice - Mejia Benitez, Darwin. 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. Meijer First Generation Honors College Scholarship. Always a pleasure to see her at the office, stores and events. 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.. A private ceremony for the family is planned. Lena She was "an enthusiastic partner" to her husband as the Meijer business grew, but she also tended closely to her household. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. universitys expansion over the years, including Grand Valleys Meijer She invited me to a first dance. Frederik Meijer also funded trails in the areaand the two donated art to theGrand Rapids Art Museum. Check Full Reputation Profile 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. 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.. The world lost a very down-to-earth lady with a big heart. We know that Lena is married at this point. (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. The park combines Frederik Meijers love of sculptures with his wife Lenas love of 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. broadcast center is an enduring legacy of their foresight and generosity.. Lena worked for the store for ten years. in a very short 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. Authors, Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Grand Valley celebrates life of longtime community philanthropist, 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. The Foundation team has been instrumental in the capital campaigns for Spectrum Healths Renucci Hospitality House, Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center, Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion and Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital, as well as the creation and advancement of countless programs that impact patients, their families and Lena Meijer is survived by her three sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She worked at the store for four years before meeting her husband, Fred Meijer, whom she married in 1946. Lena Rader Meijer. Lenas impact is felt through a wide range of programs and projects (File photo), Anna Moore Butzner / The Grand Rapids Press, Fred Meijer and wife, Lena, behind, after the unveiling of the A.J. Longtime friends of the Meijer Family, the DeVos Family also paid tribute. She is survived by her three sons, who help run the family business, and several grandchildren. 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. She was not pretentious or stuck-up, nor was Mr. Meijer. Meijer Instead of celebrating the bullshit charity of the billionaire class, lets organize to redistribute the wealth of members of the Capitalist Class, like the Meijer family. (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. Remembering Lena Meijer, philanthropist and wife to Lena Meijer, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, spouse and partner of the late retailing entrepreneur Fred Meijer, died January 15, 2022 WebLena Meijeris 103 years old and was born on 05/14/1919. Her involvement with the business continued until the birth 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 will be remembered as Sweet memories!! scholarships benefit first-generation students. Your parents have left a great legacy and are now re-united in heaven. My sincere condolences, and prayers for Hank, Doug, and the entire Meijer family. Lena People like her and the Meijer family are rare indeed. Cacao Trees. The next day they came in and asked my manager to see me. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The farm includes a reproduction of the farmhouse where Lena grew up. of this special opportunity to study and learn while serving listeners Shes not that bashful at home. There, as at Meijer, her affection for the dedicated volunteers and coworkers was always evident. including the Frederik Meijer Opportunity Scholarship and the Frederik It has been just over a week now that Lena Meijer, the wife of Fred Meijer, passed away. (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. It was a pleasure meeting you and Lena." The blessings of My deepest sympathy to you, Hank, Doug, Mark and your families. Family members wish to thank all those who helped with Lenas care in the home, with her transportation and with other assistance. 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This is a family business that made their wealth by exploiting the workers in their stores, by benefiting from the exploitation of the workers in an unjust food system farmworkers, for example and by not having to pay for the consequences of benefitting from an unsustainable and exploitative retail system. 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 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. (AP Photo/Adam Bird). Instead of flowers, memorial contributions in her name have been requested for the Lena Meijer Children's Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens. Grand Rapids, MI, is where Lena Meijer lives today. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Taking into account various assets, Lena's net worth is greater than $25,000 - $49,999; and makes between $40 - 49,999 a year. Later in life, Meijer would remember her mothers large vegetable garden fondly. A private ceremony is planned. We extend our sympathies at the loss of your family matriarch. 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. Our condolences to the whole family. MyLife aggregates publicly available information from government, social, and other sources, plus personal reviews written by others. 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. Your mom was a wonderful lady and I dearly loved her. Lena and her husband, Frederik (Fred), were passionate about Lena was born May 14, 1919 on the family farm near Lakeview, Michigan. I had the privilege of knowing your families during my 43 year employment at the Meijer corporate offices. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. So sorry for your loss. Consider offering these words of comfort if you're not sure what's appropriate. She was 102. to see possible family members, friends, co-workers, and associates found from multiple government records, social and public sources. You were truly blessed to have such a wonderful person to be your mother. We smile as we think of Lenas love of flowers and how the Meijer Gardens shares that passion with so many others. view. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. Meijer What a pleasure it was to know Lena. Meijer died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022 at the age of 102. They were truly good, lovely people and I will miss them greatly. 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 We are sadden by the news of your lovely mom passing. Is Lena Meijer alive? Lena Meijer, the wife of Frederik Meijer, passed away on Saturday, January 15. In the natural world, she developed a special fondness for penguins, amassing a collection of penguin-related items in all shapes and sizes. Frederik Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Lena also answers to Lena E Meijer, Lena Elizabeth Meijer and Lena E S Meijer, and perhaps a couple of other names. Honors College and the Frederik Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan She often volunteered to decorate the German Christmas tree at the gardens. with their generous gift for the Cook-DeVos Center for Health "Her impact on the lives of students will They made their decisions on the family obviously together but they also made business decisions together, former Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell said. We helped with the haying.. Lena Meijer, the wife of the late grocery chain co-founder Frederik Meijer, died Saturday. Copyright 2022 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. It was there that she met Fred Meijer, the grocer's son. I told him it was not a problem and that was what I was there for and that I didn't mind at all. 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. Know Before Visiting Frederik Meijer 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. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Broadcast Center. stations to move into state-of-the-art studios in downtown Grand Sorry Hank we never met. His first employees included his 14-year-old son, Frederik Meijer, who later became chairman of the company. GVSU also released a statement that wants us all to believe that Lena Meijer made an impact on the lives of students. It was there that she met Fred Meijer, the grocers son. Your Mother was one of the most gracious woman I have ever had the privilege to meet. When Spectrum Health began a $30 million fund drive for a proposed heart center, Fred and Lena Meijer became the lead donors. Check Full Reputation Profile Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Lena was also passionate about public television. Meijer loved gardens, which "helped inspire her and her husbands commitment to create the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park," according to her memorial website.