A Michigan native, musician and family matriarch Gretna Van Fleet died Monday at age 95.
She lived a long life as a wife of 76 years, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and active community member. Van Fleet may be best known worldwide as the inspiration for the name of Frankenmuth rock band Greta Van Fleet.
“Before the music and the crowds, the name belonged to Gretna Van Fleet,” reads a post from a Greta Van Fleet fan page. “The woman who unknowingly inspired a piece of rock history. Rest easy, Gretna.”
According to an MLive article from 2019, Van Fleet gave her blessing for the band to use a version of her name, although she wasn’t formally asked.
“I think they checked out my background to make sure I wasn’t on the 10 most wanted list or something and they went ahead with it,” VanFleet told MLive. The outlet reported that a former Greta Van Fleet band member, Kyle Hauck, suggested the name after hearing his grandfather mention her name.
Van Fleet’s obituary describes a life full of talents and activities. The graduate of Elkhart Business University was involved in community theatre, the pinochle card club, square dance club and the Frankenmuth Women’s Club, among many other groups. She was a founding member of the Bag Ladies at Frankenmuth United Methodist Church and also ran a bed and breakfast for a time.
Van Fleet was a prolific musician, playing drums, tuba, coronet, saxophone, stand-up bass, violin, piano and other instruments.
Family will welcome visitors from 5-7 p.m. on May 26 at the Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. A funeral service is set for 11 a.m. on May 27 at Frankenmuth United Methodist Church, 346 Vates St. in Frankenmuth.
“Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Frankenmuth United Methodist Church, Bag Ladies or a charity of the donor’s choice,” reads the obituary.
mbaetens@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Frankenmuth woman who inspired Greta Van Fleet’s band name has died
Reporting by Melody Baetens, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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