Former Mid-American Growers Owner Nick VanWingerden Passes Away

By Brian D. Sparks|January 21, 2025

Nick VanWingerden

Nick VanWingerden, the former owner of Mid-American Growers, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 16, at the age of 71. Abe Van Wingerden, Nick’s nephew and Chief Executive Officer of Metrolina Greenhouses, says his uncle was “an innovator in this industry and created one of the first mega-grower locations in the Midwest. He was also heavily involved in international missions and other charity work in the local community/church and leaves a lasting legacy.”

Mid-American Growers, based in Granville, IL, spanned 3,500,000 million square feet of environmentally controlled greenhouses. The operation grew flowering potted plants, ornamental bedding plants, potted foliage, and vegetables for Lowe’s stores and supermarkets throughout the Midwest, as well as contract-grown material for other growers including Color Point. The operation was established in 1971 as Van Wingerden, Inc. by the Van Wingerden family. It was acquired by Color Point in 2014.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025 at First Baptist Church of LaSalle 200 24th St. LaSalle, IL 61301. Service will be at 11 a.m. following the visitation at the church. Burial will be in Granville Cemetery at 2 p.m. following the luncheon.

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