The American Floral Endowment ( AFE ) has annunciate a Memorial Tribute to honor the lifetime and contribution of Herman Meinders , an entrepreneur , devoted philanthropist , and esteemed leader in the floral industry . Herman passed away on March 30 , 2025 , at the years of 87 . This tribute was ground by AFE Past Chairman Red Kennicott of Kennicott Brothers , a longtime friend of Herman ’s , in recognition of his unsounded impact .
Born and parent in Pipestone , Minnesota , Herman ’s journey from a small agriculture community to a leader in the floral industry is a will to his determination and vision . With just 20 cent to his name , he set out on a path that led him to lay down American Floral Services ( AFS ) in 1970 in Oklahoma City . Under his leadership , AFS became one of the large and most successful flowers - by - telegram services , growing to include ten of thousands of florist extremity across North America and internationally . AFS merged with Teleflora in 2000 .
Herman ’s commitment to floriculture extended far beyond his business success . As a former Chairman ( 2000 - 2001 ) , Treasurer , and Trustee of AFE , he played a key part in advancingeducation , research , and industry development for nearly a X . In 2011 , he and his wife , LaDonna , make AFE ’s first - ever undesignated named fund , which provide funding for the industry ’s most critical need . This enterprisingness paved the fashion for other industry leaders to adopt suit of clothes . The couple also established the Meinders Retail Florist Education Grant Fund , ensuring that retail florists could access educational opportunities . With contribution now surpassing $ 500,000 , the plan grant over $ 10,000 in grants in its first yr alone , with continued growth expected . He was preceded in death by his sleep together wife in October of 2024 .
Always a champion of the flowered industry and a member of the Legacy Circle , Herman shared this about his ongoing dedication , " As a past Chairman of AFE , I can testify to the importance of the workplace the Endowment does and the support it provides for all aspects of the flowered diligence . I ’m proud to have been a found part of helping widen AFE ’s reach in the early days , and now to keep on to sustain them with this focus on retail Department of Education . " This protection go forward this legacy in a lasting means that permit the floral community to keep on his store .
Herman ’s loyalty to the floral diligence was recognized through dozens of honored honors and awards , celebrating both his byplay achievements and his unwavering commitment to giving back . In 2012 , he received the Floriculture Hall of Fame Award by the Society of American Florists . He also received the Leland T. Kintzele Distinguished Service Award ( 1994 ) and many others . His generosity aid develop and establish numerous flowered industry programs that will continue to plump for florist and business leaders for generations to come .
" Herman was a true exemplar of the American Dream and an inspirational function model in how he conducted his professional and personal life sentence , " enounce Red Kennicott .
Beyond the floral industry , Herman was deep attached to philanthropy and residential area overhaul . He and LaDonna were passionate supporters of Oklahoma City University ( OCU ) , where they both attended college . Their contributions led to the ecesis of the Meinders School of Business , ensuring succeeding generations have access to quality educational activity . Their philanthropic stretch also extended to Meinders Gardens , the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum , and the Oklahoma City Zoo , among many others . His charitable efforts impact not only Oklahoma but more than 20 state , sustain causes in higher education , healthcare , and non-profit-making initiatives .
Herman Meinders will be remembered not only for his job leadership but also for his kindness , generosity , and commitment to making a lasting difference . His legacy continues to inspire and uplift countless individuals , and through this Memorial Tribute Fund , his influence will endure for generations . The tribute page will be updated with serve selective information as appropriate .
you may honour Herman ’s memory with a contribution to theHerman Meinders Memorial Tributethat can be madeonline here .
