GLFF Hall of Fame

Born: 1925 Grand Rapids, MI

Married: 1947 Esther Ibershof

Children: David and Paula DeVos
Nancy and Scott Stehouwer
Jackie-Deceased at 4 1/2
Julie and Dan Vander Woude

Eight grand children
2 great grand children

Education: GR Christian High
Calvin College
US Army 1943-46
European Theatre

Eastern Floral: 1950-1998

Retired: 1998-Present

Ages 18-21 were spent in World War II, mostly in Germany. Married Esther Ibershof in 1947. Attended Calvin College from 1946-1950, graduating with a teaching degree in Biology and History. It was unlikely to receive a teaching job. I needed to work with our first child, now a one year old.

Then saw an ad in GR Press “Business opportunity-floral shop for sale.” This was kept for two and a half weeks and then thrown away. The Flower business just wasn’t for me. At 10:30 that night the ad was taken out of the wastebasket and I called the realtor. Then we negotiated the purchase of the one-year old Eastern Floral. The original store was located at Eastern and Franklin.

Moved the business to 28th street and Broadmoor in 1968. This move leads to a rapid and steady growth. In 1998 Eastern Floral was sold when it was at its peak with 100 full time and 100 part time staff members, the company was served by its fleet of 27 vehicles.

Eastern Floral: 1950 – 1998 DeVos Family
1998 – 2001 Gerald Stevens Co.
2001- Present Goei Family