Two Michigan Families Named on Forbes Richest in America

My great-grandmother's cousin was Henry Ford, and we're also related to Ethan Allen. But I don't get an A-plan (or B, or any discount) on new trucks, and I pay full price for furniture. The same can't be said for two billionaire families who have become part of Michigan's DNA and have made a slew of cash while calling the Mitten State home, according to Forbes.

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Chances are you've contributed to their wealth several times while buying groceries or while in the hospital. Let's take a closer look at the two wealthiest families in Michigan.

Michigan's Grocery Royalty

If you've ever strolled into a Meijer to grab a gallon of milk and left with a kayak, a rotisserie chicken, and a patio set—congrats! You've contributed to one of the state's wealthiest families: The Meijer family. This retail empire was born in Greenville, Michigan, in 1934 by Hendrik Meijer, who was aided by his then 14-year-old son Fred.

Thanks to their "Thrifty Acres" one-stop shopping model, they now rake in $21 billion annually and are tied for America's 27th richest family. Forbes estimates the living family's wealth (Hendricks grandsons, Hank and Doug Meijer) at $15.9 billion.

Turning Surgery into Billions

Also worth an estimated $15.9 billion by Forbes (and in a tie with the Meijer's for the 27th richest family in America), you have no doubt padded the pockets of Michigan's Stryker family, especially if you've ever had a hip replacement, a knee implant, or just enjoyed the luxury of a hospital bed. Stryker was founded in 1941 by Dr. Homer Stryker, who also had the mind of an inventor.

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If you've ever had a cast taken off, that saw that cuts the material but not your skin? Dr. Homer Stryker came up with that and countless other patents that help the Kalamazoo-based company net over $20.5 billion annually. Stryker's three grandchildren, Ronda, Pat, and Jon, are reported to own 11% percent of the company, making them one of Michigan's two wealthiest families.