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Carl Lindner Obituary

From humble beginnings running his father's dairy store in Norwood, Carl Henry Lindner Jr. grew into a billionaire, a friend of U.S. presidents and Greater Cincinnati's most successful entrepreneur.

For nearly a century until he died late Monday at age 92 , the former Reds owner never shed the fierce competitiveness and loyalty that made him a hometown icon.

His influence ran to every corner of Greater Cincinnati. The high-school dropout bought and sold Kings Island, the Reds, Provident Bank and the Enquirer. His name is on buildings from the University of Cincinnati's business school to the tennis center at Lunken Playfield.

But it was the banking and insurance business that made him a billionaire. At his death, his American Financial Group Inc. controlled assets of nearly $32 billion and he was routinely listed as one of the richest men in America.

Ever the optimist, Lindner often carried an inch-thick stack of cards with motivational sayings - one was "Only in America! Gee, am I lucky!" - that he handed out to anyone he would meet.

He was a teetotaler, physically unimposing yet with a prominent shock of white hair and a penchant for wearing flashy neckties.

Even to his closest friends and colleagues, he was soft-spoken and rarely confrontational. Yet some business partners complained about unfair treatment and he flashed a harsh temper when confronting reporters who wrote what he perceived as unfriendly stories or criticism of his business dealings.

A devout Baptist and a longtime member of Kenwood Baptist Church, Lindner used his wealth and influence behind the scenes to become Greater Cincinnati's largest benefactor and economic development force. At the height of his personal giving he contributed millions of dollars a year to charitable causes, and brought thousands of high-paying jobs to downtown Cincinnati.

His companies brought thousands of employees to the region, and the annual Christmas party that he threw at Music Hall attracted some of the nation's biggest acts, including Bill Cosby and Frank Sinatra.

At the same time, Lindner thought of himself as an outsider, building his business career outside of Cincinnati's old-money elite. He was never a member of many of the most exclusive business and country clubs and his bar-the-doors business style, starting with a hostile takeover of Provident Bank in the mid-1960s, was out of place in always polite Cincinnati.

Perhaps the most public role of his career was his ownership of the Cincinnati Reds from 1999 to 2005. Lindner owned a minority stake both before and after that period but was the Reds' CEO for six seasons, and each of those years the team lost more games than it won.

He approved the trade for Ken Griffey Jr. in 2000, even sending his private jet to bring Griffey to Cincinnati and then personally driving the hometown star back to Cinergy Field from Lunken Airport in his Rolls-Royce.

But as the Reds' losses mounted, Lindner never spoke publicly to fans and privately bristled at talk-radio criticism.

That period ended in late 2005 when Lindner sold a controlling stake in the Reds to a group headed by Bob Castellini.

Shy and scornful of reporters, Lindner nevertheless became a focus of media attention because of his substantial wealth and his far-flung business dealings.

The controversies included millions of dollars in political contributions as his Chiquita Brands International Inc. was waging a trade war with European countries, a bevy of lawsuits and federal charges over business deals that benefited Lindner and his company more than other shareholders, and a high-profile battle with the Enquirer in 1998 over a series of critical stories on Chiquita.

Lindner built a national reputation in the 1980s as a high-risk trader, becoming a business partner of symbols of the decade's excess such as junk-bond king Michael Milken and Cincinnati's own Charles Keating.

He was the classic "value investor," buying properties few other investors wanted and waiting years, or even decades, to reap the benefits.

That gave him a portfolio including the old Penn Central railroad, Circle K convenience stores and New York City landmark Grand Central Station.

But Lindner spent the two decades before his death shedding assets that didn't deal with insurance and transferring others to his three sons. That left American Financial as mostly an insurance and financial services company.

He lost his stake in Chiquita in 2002 when that company emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In 2004, Lindner, his family and American Financial reaped nearly $1 billion in stock when they sold Cincinnati's Provident Financial Group Inc. to Cleveland-based National City Corp.

The moves consolidated the business around safer insurance businesses. Lindner also transferred tens of millions of dollars to his three sons and their families, solidifying for generations a wealth that he never enjoyed growing up.

Born April 22, 1919, in Dayton, Ohio, Carl Henry Lindner Jr. was the firstborn of a modest dairyman and his wife, Clara.

Lindner quit high school to help in his father's Norwood dairy store. Along with his father, he and his brothers Robert and Richard, and sister Dorothy, built it into United Dairy Farmers, a chain of dairy and convenience stores.

When the family founded what now is UDF on Montgomery Road in Norwood in 1940, the first day's sales amounted to $8.28.

Lindner often talked about the modest surroundings of his childhood, noting more than once that he picked up dates in an ice-cream truck.

Robert Lindner's family eventually took control of UDF, and Richard Lindner became sole owner of the Thriftway supermarket chain before selling it to Winn-Dixie Stores.

Lindner married the former Ruth Wiggeringloh of Norwood in 1942. They divorced seven years later with no children. He then married the former Edyth Bailey in 1951, and they have three sons who all went into the family business: Carl III, Craig and Keith.

Lindner cautiously entered the savings-and-loan and insurance business, founding his flagship company American Financial Corp. in 1959. In the early 1970s the company gained control of Great American Insurance, which would become its chief operating business.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s the company bought and sold companies in a variety of industries. Lindner took the company private in 1981 and released little financial information to the public, but in 1995 the company sold stock to public shareholders under the new umbrella of American Financial Group Inc.

In 2003, Keith Lindner left American Financial to concentrate on the family's charitable pursuits. In 2004 Carl and Craig Lindner were named co-CEOs of the company while Carl Lindner Jr. remained chairman.

Lindner was a conservative icon, lobbying against Robert Mapplethorpe's 1990 exhibit at the Contemporary Arts Center here and funding the Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy.

But he was pragmatic as well, contributing more than $1 million to Democratic President Bill Clinton during Chiquita Brands' battle over European banana quotas. He was well known as one of the biggest givers in the country to both political parties.

By Cliff Peale | [email protected]

Published by The Cincinnati Enquirer from Oct. 18 to Oct. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Carl Lindner

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97 Entries

Valenda Newell

January 1, 2017

I first met the Linder family through my father, who was then Vice President of Development for Judson College (now University). I also first learned how much one of his son's loved golf and how he described to me that golf was like life - I had asked him, while he was showing me the exact way to wear a Chiquita banana sticker, why a kid might play baseball or golf, and I think we had a funny philosophical conversation about same :) I was a kid then, and I have raised my own kids, including a First Tee Kid, Zakki Blatt. Zakki's legacy is now Possibility Golf, and while Possibility Golf became because of Zakki healing through golf, perhaps it started all those years ago. Would love to hear from the family, as so many years have flashed by !

Stephanie Ann Middleton

March 30, 2014

to the lindner family i give my condolence to the first 2 oldies son & to miss. lindner this is the 1965 thru 1976 james taylor sr. & the 1965 thru 1984 mary ann breur & the 1965 thru 1997 betty c. rhodes son & grandson patrick rhodes,james taylor jr. from europe under xxx-xx-4737,10/12/1965,m.a.b.651573613-4 & 651593481-5,(00)61033925 & one of mondexintl.bankings corporate owners & globalworld mastercardintl.u.k.s presidents good bye! carl h. lindner jr. lord bless you!from rhodes,taylor &breur!

patrick rhodes

February 24, 2012

Please accept our sympathy. We were saddened to learn of Carl's death. Our hearts and prayers go out to Carl's family. We are deeply grateful for Carl's interest, and that of his wider family, in the mission of Judson University in Elgin, IL. Thank you, thank you, for your love and generosity extended to this school. May God bless you, all, in this time of loss. Sincerly, Dr. & Mrs. Randy J. Gauger, Savoy, IL, Judson University Board of Trustees.

Randy Gauger

November 9, 2011

Joyce Gates Cook

October 28, 2011

I had just met Charles Colson, a Watergate conspirator who converted to Christianity. Colson was present at the Cincinnati screening of his autobiographical film "Born Again".

But, the most memorable part of my evening was still to come.

I was a car enthusiast so the sleek, sporty, luxurious white sedan in the parking lot didn't escape my gaze. It was unlike anything I had seen before.

I was awestruck; this was a piece of art on wheels. As I stood transfixed, I noticed someone had joined me. He was standing quietly, patiently, and politely at the back of his car. My gawking was delaying his departure.

After an apology I said, "This is a beautiful car. May I ask what it is"? The man said, "it's a Stutz". We stood there and talked cars for a few minutes and then we exchanged names. I had just met Carl Lindner.

He genuinely appreciated my admiration of his car. He was humble, gracious, and warm when he could rightly have been so much less. He had turned the tables and made me feel important. Like so many other stories here, it's a testament to his character. Cincinnati has lost a great man and to the Lindner family I extend my condolences along with my admiration for a life well lived.

R. Edgar

October 24, 2011

As a lifelong Cincinnatian I have a great appreciation of Mr. Lindner's extensive contributions to the quality of life here in our town. He was always at the top of my very short list of true heroes. I send my prayers and gratitude.

John Britton

October 24, 2011

The Lindner Family!
Fond memories that go back 35 years. So many great stories to share with family and friends. A very special person in so many lives. And to Edith, all our love.
Denise and Bob Ecuyer

October 24, 2011

Mr.Linder often visited nicholson restaurant, downtown cincy, and was ever so gracious. Being a hostess there and new to cincy I had no idear of his celebrity. He was so down to earth and patient and you could see how close he and his son were. God bless him. carol lambert

carol lambert

October 22, 2011

RIP Mr. Lindner. Prayers to the entire Lindner family. My dad worked for Carl back in the 80's and always had nothing but kind words to say about him. I'm sure my dad is happy to have Carl up in heaven with him. :)

Trish B

October 22, 2011

My husband has worked for UDF for the last 15 yrs. and is now a district supervisor in Dayton area. So, sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Linder, may god be with your family and help guide you through your time of need.

Angie/Ron Larrick

October 22, 2011

I worked 27 yrs. with the Lindner family in banking at Hunter Savings and Provident Bank in Dayton OH. They both were good companies to work for. Thank you Mr. Lindner for opportunity to spend my working career at AFC.

Judy Dillhoff

October 22, 2011

Having lived in Cincinnati, I am saddened to hear about the Mr. Lindner's death or any death for that matter. Psalms 147:3 says: "He is healing the brokenhearted ones, And is binding up their painful spots." May that scripture provide you with comfort.

Lillian Bugay

October 22, 2011

To the family of Carl Lindner Jr.,

It is with deep regret on the passing of Carl Lindner Jr. I realize that the death of a friend and family member is an irreparable loss to you. Those we love left us with gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away. They gave us wisdom that we can still recall, companionship when we were alone, comfort when we needed it.

May the tender mercy that God has always shown me be with your family now so that you will know that you are not alone, and may the prayers of other help in some small way to bring you strength, comfort and courage each day.

Many words will be expressed, yet we know God can express and provide to you and your family everything that is needed to care and sustain your hearts. Isaiah 46:1 will offer you some comfort , but the loss of a love one is more direct and personal. So wanted to send you these words of sincere sympathy upon the death of a loyal friend and trusted family member. My prayers will be with you and your family.

Karen Caldwell

October 21, 2011

Please know that God's original purpose did not include sickness, old age or death. He has already taken steps to reverse all of our suffering and restore life back to those sleeping in death. I hope this proves to be a source of comfort to you.

autumn

October 21, 2011

My sympathies to the entire Lindner family. I remember in the mid 90's attending Mr. Lindner's Annual Christmas Party and so excited to see Paul Anka. It's an evening I'll never forget and have Mr. Lindner to thank. I lost my father (a fellow Mason) last February and it still seems like yesterday. May God give the Lindner family peace on the loss of this great man.

Rosemary Tuttle

October 21, 2011

Mr. Lindner was truly our hometown hero. He blessed many lives and will be missed. May his legacy continue to serve those in need, and inspire a new generation of philanthropist.

I walk and work in confidence that what I do will make an eternal difference.

Remarkable servant, may you rest in peace.

Kim Wright

October 21, 2011

i will miss carl on the way home on I-71 at night, always waving to people and his smile. he enjoyed driving his dairy farmer cream color rolls royce , and then his driver had a great camel coat, which allowed carl to enjoy the ride. he always rode in front of the car, no doubt listening to npr..and wnku.. Living near the old linder homes in silverton, i saw linder personally inspected the new dairy farmer store in deer park before it opened, looking at the pictures of him and his brothers and family. he had said when i interviewed him he wanted to make sure it looked right and honored his family. no one in cincinnati can measure up to his giving to charities. He is the exception of the rich man who will make it to heaven without passing thought the eye of a needle, so the bible remarks.. . his concept was do something for others before being asked.. he lived the golden rule and was a credit to the common man who worked hard and made good, never forgetting his beginning or his friends, old or new.
Thanks St. Carl- your friends from I-71 drive home

i 71 driver

October 21, 2011

Mr. Lindner's gernerosity will be truly missed. I hope that you as a family continue to have love among yourselves and people. He exemplified the thoughts found at Acts 20:35. There it tells us that happiness is found in giving.

Sincerely,
P. Nesbitt

October 21, 2011

I have fond memories of Mr.Lindner from my childhood, My family lived on Mentor Ave. He was A very kind man . We will pray for your family . Pat C. Norwood, Ohio .

October 21, 2011

I am so thankful for Mr.Carl Linder, Jr and his family's positive impact on our great city and beyond. Thanks for your vision and then willingness to commit. Personally, I thank God for you making First Priority of Greater Cincinnati a reality for our middle/high schools.

Paul Anglin

October 20, 2011

I will always remember the Lindners from my days at Kennedy School - they were always kind and caring.

Wanda Perkins Coats

October 20, 2011

Thank you Mr. Linder for providing our 1970 Hughes High School Alumni with a scholarship donation for seniors headed to college last year. Thank you for your kindness, May God continue to bless your soul.

DONNA COBBAH

October 20, 2011

Our family has very fond memories of Carl and the Lindner family during the years I worked at WKRC-TV. He was all that is good about Cincinnati. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lindner family.

Chuck DeVendra

October 20, 2011

MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BRO LINDER BRO CHARLES T WALKER JR POV LODGE #95

October 20, 2011

WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS,&CONDOLENCES TO THE LINDNER FAMILY,FRIENDS,FANS OF REDS,&ALL WHO KNEW MR. LINDNER.

KEN&MARY O'DANIEL

October 20, 2011

Carl and my grandfather are first cousins. I want to thank Carl and his family for taking in my grandfather as a child after is fathers death. My grandfather learned more things from Carl than I have room to mention. The Lord was watching over Carl's and my grandfathers tender friendship when they saw eachother for the last time about a month ago, the day before my grandparents flew south for the winter. Edyth, you will never know the impact that Carl had on my sweet grandfather. Until they meet again, thoughts of Carl will fill my grandparents hearts. God bless.

Ellen Greiner

October 20, 2011

My condolences to the Lindner Family and the City of Cincinnati. The Family and the City lost a true friend and supporter of each Cincinnatian. I enjoyed working for Provident Bank while under Carl's direction. While growing up in Carl's neighborhood I had the opportunity to meet Mr and Mrs Lindner and knew how gracious they are.

Regan Miller-Pfeiffer

October 20, 2011

Several years back when there was a rage of robberies from several churches in Walnut Hills, Mr. Lindner searched them out and helped them with their security issues. St. Franics De Sales School was a great beneficiary of his kindness. We were also having trouble with thefts, and with his gifts we were able to install security cameras on the property and increase the ones we had in the school. It was a great gift for all of our people and we are still grateful for his kindness.
Fr. Edward Jach, SM Pastor from 1990 to 2010.

Fr. Edward Jach,SM

October 20, 2011

a privilege to expand knowledge in the insurance industry while working at great american insurance company and sharing a christmas celebration with mr. and mrs. lindner.

my condolences to the lindner family.

cindi hood

October 20, 2011

A privilege to expand knowledge in the insurance industry while working at Great American Insurance Company and sharing a Christmas Celebration with Mr. and Mrs. Lindner.

My condolences to the Lindner Family.

Cindi Hood

October 20, 2011

He was a Great Man and will definately be missed....

Carol McIntyre

October 20, 2011

RIP Mr. Lindner and thank you for everything you did for Cincinnati to make us proud . . .

Patty Losacker

October 20, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the Lindner family. I was an employee for over 11 years and I miss seeing Carl walking the back stairs and always saying hello. He was so generous as a boss and I so appreciated all the wonderful perks my family enjoyed.
Peace and serenity, Roslyn Faust (Cincinnati,OH)

October 20, 2011

Prayers to the Lindner family.

Jason Vaughn

October 20, 2011

In the mid 1970's I was the chief financial officer for a small subsidiary of American Financial Homes in the Chicago subburbs.
When we needed to discuss and receive approval for future plans the subsiary President and I would travel to Cincinnati to meet with Mr. Lindner and Charlie Keating. We did this three times. Mr. Lindner would come in say hello and sit, always holding his gold Cross pen. He would pay close attention with an occasional nod and when we finished he and Charlie would leave the room. I do not remember that he ever said a word. Shortly Charlie would return to tell us that our plans were approved.
I always admired his manner and obvious skills in financing his major purchases of existing companies.

My condolences to his family. I am glad that I knew him.

Joe Warnelis

October 20, 2011

He was and still is a very motival man, Cincinnati lost a true icon

Regina Palumbo-Shatzer

Regina Palumbo-Shatzer

October 20, 2011

I appreciate Mr. and Mrs. Lindner for their generous contributions to Christ Hospital where my family was often a patient. God bless his family.

Janice Uible

October 20, 2011

Sympathy to Mrs. Lindner, sons and families. What a gracious giver to so many of different faiths, the arts, schools, and the mentally challenged. Mr. Lindner rest in peace.

Judy Dyer, Cincinnati, OH

October 19, 2011

Keith, sorry to hear about your dad. He was a great man. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Maureen (Mickey) McBride

October 19, 2011

I worked for United Dairy Farmers under Carl Lindner from 1960-1963. I always remember what a kind, generous man he was. He will be missed

Mary Kelly O'Connor

October 19, 2011

Mr. Linder: I did not know you personally, but I have great admiration for you. You were truly one of a kind. You our now in Heaven resting peacefully. I will keep your family in my thought ad prayers.

Harland Stanley

October 19, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

shirley kepf

October 19, 2011

I am grateful for the support that you and your family have shown those being treated for mental illness. My daughter's treatment at the Lindner Center of HOPE marked a turning point in her life for the better. God bless you and your family, Mr. Lindner.

Katrina

October 19, 2011

There are some people that are able to put thier name on something and just walk away. I live down the street from Lindner park and was surprised when I was told that Mr Lindner would make regular visits to the park and check on the woman that lives in the house on the park grounds. He didn't do it because he had to but because he wanted to. My Uncle also has worked with Mr. Lindner and said hands down he was the greatest man that he ever knew. We lost a GREAT man.

m h

October 19, 2011

I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Lindner was a financial miracle angel during some dark company times. I will always remember.

Mark McNeil

October 19, 2011

Saint Joseph Catholic Church and School would like to extend their heartfelt sympathy to the Lindner family during this time of bereavement. Mr. Lindner was a great humanitarian. His love of people and his generosity will always be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We pray for the reposal of his soul.

Reverend Reynaldo S. Taylor, Pastor

October 19, 2011

your faimily name has been with me at Thriftway for 17 yrs and my oldest son with GAI for 10 yrs
Good solid name and good solid people. You will be missed
God Bless

lois brooks/jacobs

October 19, 2011

God Bless Carl and his entire family, our prayers are with you.

Chris Reindl

Chris Reindl

October 19, 2011

God bless your family in this time of sorrow. Mr. Linder was a fine and upstanding man. I wish more people were as giving and thoughtful as he was. My prayers are with all of the family. Anna Humphrey and Mary Frazier

Anna Humphrey

October 19, 2011

To Carls wife,Edith and to his three sons go our heart felt sympathy.We had the previlege of getting to know them during our Chiquita days,in particular Carl and Keith.May he rest in peace.

Joern and Ursula Weber

October 19, 2011

Carl will be greatly missed. As a former employee I would say that Carl had a unique and special way of relating to people. We were all part of his extended family from the highest ranking executive to the part-timer. Carl never forgot where he came from.
He leaves many legacies but perhaps the most important is his famuly. His three sons benefitted from his example and will carry on his business and spiritual ideals.
His generosity is well known and an example for all. As he frequently said " I'm going to do my giving while I'm living so I'll be knowing where it's going".
May his soul rest in peace.

Dick Haverland

October 19, 2011

I wish to extend my heart felt sympathy to the Lindner family. Mr. Lindner was an incredible man. His love of Cincinnati and his generosity will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

MaryLou Curee

October 19, 2011

My condolences go out to the Linder family. I worked for GAI company and in our department we called Mr. Linder "Uncle Carl" lovingly, as I can truly say that I have never worked for anyone as kind and generous as he was.It is said that only what you do for Christ will last. With that said his works will keep his name in our city's history forever.

D. Lynn Henry

October 19, 2011

My mother, Betty Dwyer, was employed by the Lindner family and always spoke very highly of Mr. and Mrs. Lindner and their 3 sons. My thoughts are with the entire family during this difficult time.

Denise (Dwyer) Knue

October 19, 2011

To the Lindner family and employees of American Financial Group, my sincerest sympathies on the loss of a great man. I had the privilege of working for AFC in the Tax Department/Tom Mischell for 11 years. Carl did it the right way! He is my benchmark for employers.

Pati Besl

October 19, 2011

My daughter attended CHCA and I can reacll the countless times Mr. Lindner would tell the kids to continue their education. He would tell them how he dropped out, but it was not an option for them. He was a great guy in my book.

Venita Ashe

October 19, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lindner family during this time of grief. May God's Peace and Comfort be with you. "Absent from the body, present with the Lord. Mr. Lynn Wheaton, Judson University.

October 19, 2011

I will never forget the day I went to visit Mr. Lindner to ask for Kings Island tickets for my Turkish students who were here in Cincinnati studying English for 9 months---their government provided them with limited funds for living expenses---not only did Mr. Lindner give me tickets for all 9 students, he also gave me one too!!! What a wonderful and generous man he was. May he rest in peace.
And I still have my packet of inspirational quotes from him...which will now have even more special meaning.

Christine Sokol

October 19, 2011

What an inspiration Mr. Lindner is to everyone who loves Cincinnati. May he be looking down from heaven on his generous legacy.

Mike/Judy ORourke

October 19, 2011

My sympathy to the Lindner family, and my thanks for the Lindner Center of Hope, which has been a lifesaver to many who struggle with mental health. Before Mr. and Mrs. Lindner gave this wonderful gift, we traveled hundreds of miles for long term care.

kim c

October 19, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Tami W

October 19, 2011

"Mr Linder was truly "Mr. Cincinnati" and we thank him and his family for all that they have contributed. Cincinnati will forever be a better place as a result of his influence. Tom Todd, Florida"

October 19, 2011

It was a priviledge to work for AFG and I will never forget meeting you at one of your employee Christmas parties. You are unique and irreplaceable. May God bless you and comfort your family in their time of need.

Vince Granieri

October 19, 2011

Thank you for all the great years, especially for my Mom who passed away in 2005 Marie Buffington she loved the whole family and was sad when she had to leave company , to fight cancer . ty for sharing all your ideas they were always appreciated .May the family get strength in there time of sorrow God Bless you all ....Sherman Griffith Columbus,Ohio

james griffith

October 18, 2011

Mr Lindner, thank you for your faith, your example and all the great things you did for Cincinnati. You will be sorely missed.

May God bless and be with your family,

John Martin

October 18, 2011

It was my pleasure meeting you and your family. Thank you for all you gave to NKY and Cincinnati. God bless your wonderful family. Mary E. Janser, FL

October 18, 2011

The Lincoln Heights Track Club has been a recipient of the goodness of Carl Lindner Jr. Though he knew no one personally in our organization he still donated to our cause of trying to build a better youth. We are grateful to him and his family for the generosity. We extend our condolences and will pray for his family to find comfort.

October 18, 2011

Thank you for everything you did for Cincinnati, I live in Iowa now and nothing will ever compare to UDF, God bless your family. Cindy, Iowa

October 18, 2011

Mr. Lindner always gave a nod and a smile when I would see him downtown on Fourth St. Provident Tower. He was small in stature but a Giant in Cincinnati. God Bless.

mary cook

October 18, 2011

I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Lindner, but I, like many others have heard of or know the many quiet acts of charity that he bestowed. I will always remember getting large candy canes every year at Provident Bank on 4th St during the Christmas season and the display that they had there. I have never forgotten that and the memory of looking forward to going there every year. Because of that, I now get those very same candy canes and hand them out during the Christmas Season at my business. I do this in honor of Mr. Lindner having done this for me (unknowingly) and countless others.

Thank you for always thinking of and aiding others! My deepest sympathy to the family.

Marian Sizemore

October 18, 2011

thank you, thank you, thank you Carl and all the Lindners for your contribution to the OCEAN REEF COMMUNITY for making life here a"unique way of life" jimmy watson

October 18, 2011

My condolences are extended to the Family of Carl Henry Lindner, Jr.

Karen Davis

October 18, 2011

It was a pleasure to have met you sir and work for you at Great American Insurance while living in Cinti. You were extremely generous and gracious to all of your employees. God bless you! Suzanne Alex, (St. Augustine, FL)

October 18, 2011

We are indebted to Mr. Lindner for his financial generosity and business savvy in the Cincinnati area, the country and around the world. A really great man who will be greatly missed.

Paul & Debra Gardner

October 18, 2011

it was awesome to meet yu and know yu... yu were great to my mom and our family thanks for everything mr linder! yu will be missed r.i.p

amylynn thomasson

October 18, 2011

thank you for what you did for the kolping ben-gals it was an honor to meet you

mike mutchler

October 18, 2011

My son Craig and I were in Ky. to eat at one of the river front rstaurants. Craig was small and thin due to several heart defects. He worked as a cook at J's Restaurant. A tall, white-haired man greeted Craig with a broad smile, as if they were old friends and he smiled at me. I didn't recognize the man at first and asked Craig, who was that? Craig said, oh, that's Carl Lindner. I know him from his coming into J's. He's a really nice guy. Craig died in '04 after his fourth heart surgery. I will always remember Mr. Lindner as being kind to my dear son and me.

Kate Honnerlaw

October 18, 2011

I had the priviledge of working for Mr. Lindner's AFC company for 30 years, and you'll never find another billionaire who would stop and say hello to an average person like me, calling me by my name, and smiling at the same time. Ray Roginski (Corbin, Ky.)

Ray Roginski

October 18, 2011

Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of Mr. Carl Lindner. I met him once in the early 1980's at the Christmas dinner in Cincinnati. I have worked for United Dairy Farmers since 1980 and I plan on retiring in 3 years. I can truly say this family and company has been good to me and my son all these years. Mr. Carl will certainly be missed. I pray the family has the strength they need to get through the next days without him.

Patricia Shirley

October 18, 2011

The Board of Trustees and Staff of Temple Christian University, Jacksonville Florida send our condolences to the family of Dr. CARL HENRY LINDNER Jr.
It was a direct result of his kindness to our President and Founder in Cincinnati, Ohio that we were born in 2006. Carl was a Great Christian and Philanthropist who embodied the gifts of love and unselfishness that many Christians still struggle to understand.
May his light continue to shine forever.
Be proud of his legacy! Be comforted!
A Great Life, A Race well run! To Mrs. Edith, Carl Jr., Craig and Keith. He was proud of you. It's up to you now. Lift up your heads and carry on the Good Fight. Be Blessed!

Dr. Robin Forde

October 18, 2011

It is impossible to appreciate fully the benefits Mr. Lindner and his family have given to our community and beyond. The ripple effect of his generosity is incalculable, and the model of "paying back" in gratitude for one's good fortune is inspirational for all of us. Thus, Mr. Lindner joins Nicholas Longworth, Reuben Springer, Charles P. Taft, Simon Kuhn, David Joseph, and a few other select Cincinnati philanthopists of the past who have transformed our city and maintained it as a world-class community.

Daniel Hoffheimer

October 18, 2011

Thank You God for such a wonderful man!

Linda Marshall

October 18, 2011

I never met Mr Linder, but saw him drive past me often in his beautiful car. I lived in Kenwood right across from his church. What a wonder child of GOD. He served God very well. He will be missed. God:s Peace to the Linder family. Linda Marshall, Midland,Ohio

Linda Marshall

October 18, 2011

As a child my dad would mention that he used to deliver milk at same time Mr. Lindner was delivering for his dad. He would say I should have gone with that company as Mr. Lindner always took care of his men. And Dad would talk about the beginnings of UDF. That was my introduction as a child to Mr. Lindner. Much later a friend told about working at Hunter Savings and Mr. Lindner would get letters from people who couldn't pay their mortgage, he'd read them & write "paid in full". When our children went to CHCA they reaped the benefit of this generous family. When we joined Kenwood Baptist, we didn't know he was there but saw him in the congregation almost every Sunday while he was able. A quiet Christian man with untold depth of character. I never formally met him but I've known the name since my youth. He was a most remarkable man. May we all endeavor to have a humble impact on others as he did. My prayers are with his family.

Matilda Macht

October 18, 2011

I worked for the Lindner family in Cincinnati in the 1980's at GAI, and respected Mr. Lindner and his family as generous employers and quality people. Who in Cinn. hasn't been touched by Carl Lindner in some way ? We will remember him, and be grateful to him, forever. Glad I got to see him at the Tennis Center this summer. My sympathy to the Lindner family.

Nancy (Fella) Brown

October 18, 2011

God Bless .

October 18, 2011

I didn't have the honor to meet Mr. Lindner, but I do know that he and his family are people this world needs more of.
May his Family find peace in this time of despair.

" The reward of toil is, rest."

October 18, 2011

Our prayers are with you though this difficult time. The family of Fellow Mason, George Andrew Richmond. (In Memory)

Greg Richmond

October 18, 2011

Mr. Linder was a valued and respected family friend. His positive mark on Cincinnati is forever. A wise and generous man, he will be sorely missed by many. Thank you for sharing him.

Thomas Klinedinst Jr.

October 18, 2011

In 1976, I had the difficult task of advising your Dad that I had chosen to leave the American Financial family and pursue other interests out of the Cincinnati area. I will never forget that day, that your Dad and Carl, Jr spent with me, including lunch to convince me not to leave. What a gracious man and family he has raised. I will forever remember his acts of loyalty and conviction. He was right - he did as he said he would (and then some).
God bless Carl and his family. May he rest in peace!

Andre (Andy) Niebling

October 18, 2011

What was not to like about Mr. Linder! The world could use a truck load of people like Mr. Linder. GOD BLESS HIM!!!!!

Paul Apostelos

October 18, 2011

harry schrenk

October 18, 2011

linder family sorry about loss of your father i'm sorry i know what been through my dad loss his dad don hester as well on 10 - 10 - 2008 sorry about this and i want to thank your dad to direct the udf in cincinnati.

jessica hester

October 18, 2011

I worked for the Lindner family at Great American Insurance Company in their Michigan office. They were a great family to work for, always fair and generous with their employees. Carl will be missed by a lot of people.

Tom Wilkewitz

October 18, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

thomas fischer

October 18, 2011

The Board of Directors and staff of Prevent Blindness Ohio send our condolences to the Lindner family. Mr. Lindner was a great philanthropist whose good works benefitted many and will continue to do so in the future.

Sherry Williams

October 18, 2011

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