Herman Meinders

Herman Meinders lived a life defined by vision, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of hard work and giving back.

Herman, 87, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Born in Pipestone, Minnesota on November 15, 1937 to Harold and Francis Meinders, he carried the values of his small-town upbringing — humility, grit, and a deep respect for others — throughout an extraordinary life that touched countless communities, industries, and individuals around the world.

In 1970, driven by determination and entrepreneurial spirit, Herman founded American Floral Services, an international flowers-by-wire service based in Oklahoma City. What began in a garage apartment with 137 subscriber florists grew to become one of the largest floral wire services in the world. In 1994, Herman sold AFS, and in 2000, it merged with Teleflora to better serve the floral community. He remained Chairman Emeritus of Teleflora — forever proud of the industry he helped transform and the lifelong friendships he built within it.

Herman attended Oklahoma City University in the 1950s — a place he held in deep regard throughout his life. Though he did not graduate, OCU remained central to his personal story and philanthropic legacy. His enduring commitment to the university and the transformative power of education led him to fund the Oklahoma City University Meinders School of Business. He served on OCU’s board of trustees and formerly chaired its executive committee.

Family was the heart of Herman’s world, and he was blessed with two daughters. In 1960, he married Judy Flaherty, and in 1966 they welcomed their daughter, Kathryn Ann Meinders. Kathy brought great joy to Herman’s life — smart, vibrant, and full of potential — and her unexpected passing in 2008 at the age of 42 was a loss he carried tenderly in his heart.

Herman later married Jodie Boren, and they had a daughter, Christine Marie Meinders, born in 1977, who continues to embody his creativity and purpose.

In 1986, Herman married LaDonna Kramer Meinders, the love of his life and partner in philanthropy. They shared 38 years of marriage, building a life devoted to family, generosity, and their deep commitment to the community. Together, they laughed often, worked hard, and believed deeply in the power of giving.

Herman often said that “success means nothing if you don’t share it.” Herman and LaDonna supported local literacy programs, educational initiatives, and cultural projects — always choosing to invest in people and places they loved. They funded projects such as The Meinders Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City, The Oklahoma Capitol Dome project, and the Land Run Memorial.

Among his proudest achievements was donating his beloved Diamond H Ranch in Cookson, Oklahoma, to the Last Frontier Council, Boy Scouts of America — a place where generations of Scouts will continue to explore, learn, and grow.

Herman received numerous honors from the floral industry, including honorary membership in the American Institute of Floral Designers, the Industry Award of Merit, and his 2012 induction into the Society of American Florists Floriculture Hall of Fame. He co-founded the World Flower Council and was the first recipient of its Floral Laureate Award.

His contributions extended far beyond the floral industry. Herman was inducted into the Sales and Marketing Executives International Academy of Achievement, the Oklahoma Commerce and Industry Hall of Honor, and, in 1998, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. He received the OCU Distinguished Alumnus Award, an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree from OCU, the Liberty Bell Award, the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, and numerous honors from the Boy Scouts of America.

His biography, Flowers to Philanthropy, written by Bob Burke, was published in 2004, chronicling his remarkable journey from small-town beginnings to international business success and philanthropy. In 2024, Burke published a second book, A Legacy for Generations: The Generosity of Herman Meinders, further honoring Herman’s lifelong commitment to giving back and the profound impact of his philanthropy.

Herman believed in using his success to solve real problems and support the causes closest to his heart. One of his most enduring contributions was his extraordinary support of Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. By 2024, Herman and LaDonna had become the hospital’s largest individual donors in Oklahoma. Their gifts established the Meinders NeuroScience Institute and the Meinders Center for Movement Disorders, ensuring thousands of patients access to advanced treatment for Parkinson’s Disease, which Herman valiantly fought the last twelve years of his life. Herman and LaDonna helped fund the Love Family Women’s Center. In 2023, Herman honored his daughter, Kathryn Ann Meinders, by leading the effort to create The Kathryn Ann Meinders Digestive Health Institute. The family would especially like to thank Mercy’s two “Dr. K’s” – Dr. Cherian Karunapuzha and Dr. Jeanie Klabzuba, who provided exceptional care which prolonged Herman’s life.

Herman and LaDonna’s impact continues through their support of education, healthcare, the arts, and community development. Their generosity was not simply about writing checks — they showed up, stayed involved, and cared deeply.

Herman and LaDonna shared their time between their home in Oklahoma City and the Diamond H Ranch, a place Herman described as "heaven on earth" — where he found peace, laughter, and treasured moments with his children and grandchildren.

Herman is survived by his daughter, Christine, his siblings — Donna Licquia, Don Meinders, Bob Meinders, and Linda Drumm (John), and his stepchildren, Mark Gooden, Lori (Chris) Ode, John (Jody) Gooden, and Joe Gooden; eight step-grandchildren; eleven step-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dear friend and longtime business associate, Mo Grotjohn.

Herman and LaDonna’s final years were brightened by the compassionate care and steady presence of Net, Brenda, Amanda, Cassandra, Ariana, Brandy, Lisa and Cari.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, LaDonna, and his daughter, Kathryn Ann Meinders.

A Celebration of Life will be held April 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Crossings Community Church, followed by a reception at the Meinders Neuroscience Center at Mercy Hospital.

Herman made his fortune in the flower industry, so in lieu of contributions flowers may be delivered to the church the morning of the Celebration of Life service.

To view livestream of service: https://vimeo.com/event/5032154/38bf928b87