Frederik Meijer

Frederik Gerhard Hendrik Meijer (December 7, 1919 – November 25, 2011) was an American businessman, the chairman of the Meijer hypermarket chain, headquartered in his hometown of Greenville, Michigan, US.
Early life.
Frederik Meijer was born in Greenville, Michigan, the son of Hendrik and Gezina Meijer, both Dutch immigrants, who had married in Greenville in 1912. In 1934, at age 14, he worked with his father Hendrik Meijer to found Meijer Grocery in Greenville.
Career.
In 1962, he launched Meijer Thrifty Acres with his father and pioneered one-stop shopping. He inherited the company after the death of his father in 1964. In 1990, he handed over the company to his sons, Doug and Hank, although he remained the Chairman of the Board until his death.
As of September 2011, he was worth US$5 billion. He was the 60th richest person in the United States at the time of his death.
Personal life.
In 1946, he married Lena Rader, the daughter of farmers, who had been a cashier in one of his stores. They had three sons, Doug, Hank and Mark Meijer. His grandson Peter became the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 3rd congressional district in 2021.
Fred Meijer died on November 25, 2011 at the Spectrum Health System in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after suffering a stroke in his Grand Rapids home.
Legacy.
Meijer helped establish the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. An Honors College at Grand Valley State University is named for him. A Chair in Dutch culture at Calvin College is also named for him. The Frederik Meijer Trail in Kent County, Michigan, and the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park are named after him following donations by the Frederik and Lena Meijer Foundation.