Owner of Meinke Garden Center dies

Dolores Meinke, owner of Meinke Garden Center, the oldest business in Niles, Ill., died recently at age 82 and was remembered for her kind, giving spirit in an obituary in the Niles Herald-Spectator.

The local newspaper wrote this about Meinke in its remembrance:

Dolores Meinke brought color into the lives of those around her — quite literally.

As matron of Niles’ oldest business, she kept the Meinke Garden Center blooming year-round, beautifying the property with flowers and hand-painted signs. She regularly donated lush centerpieces to Niles Chamber of Commerce and Industry events that guests could take home and replant. She also taught art classes and worked as a substitute teacher in Skokie/Morton Grove School District 69.

Friends say Meinke’s kind nature and giving spirit was felt by colleagues and customers alike.

“She was one of the nicest, fairest people I’ve ever met,” said longtime garden center employee Jose Hernandez.

“I just thought the world of her,” added Denise McCreery, the former executive director of the Niles chamber.

Dolores E. Meinke, nee Lindmark, died May 26 from a rare form of cancer. She was 82 years old.

To read the full obituary, visit The Niles-Herald-Spectator.