MINNEAPOLIS — Larry Steiner, family owner, board member and former president and CEO of AmeriPride Services, died March 21 from cancer, the company reports. He was 78.
Steiner was the grandson of company co-founder Frank Steiner and a third-generation family owner of the company. He started his career with then-called American Linen in 1965 and served the organization in various capacities for more than 50 years, including as plant manager and district manager.
He joined the board of directors in 1984 and became president and chairman in 1992. He retired from the company in 2003, but continued to serve on the board of directors until his death.
Steiner earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Trinity College in Hartford, Ct., and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. He was married to his wife, Joy, and began working for his father in the company after his tour of duty.
As a company leader, Steiner helped the company sustain and grow over the years. His willingness to adapt and change over time led to many transformations in the company, including organizational structure changes, a more advanced strategic planning process, and the incorporation of computers and new technology into the business.
Steiner also had a long history of industry and community involvement. He was actively involved in the Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) and served as president and chairman in 1991-93. He received the organization’s Textile Service Operator Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.
In the past, he was also involved in the Boy Scouts of America, the Humane Society, Children’s Hospital of Minnesota and many other local charities. Most recently, he endowed the Steiner Family Scholarship, which awards up to 12 scholarships per year to children of company employees. This was his way of showing his appreciation and gratitude to the employees of the company he loved.
The company says Steiner had a long and illustrious career in the laundry industry and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, former colleagues and industry associates.
He is survived by son Lawrence, daughter Alexis Roland, sister Georgia Wiester, brother Bruce Steiner, and many other relatives and friends. Steiner was preceded in death by wife Joy, brother Robin, and parents George and Peggy Steiner.
Memorials can be made to: Northern Star Council, Boy Scouts of America, 393 Marshall Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102, or Scholarship America SDS-12-2719, P.O. Box 86, Minneapolis, MN 55486-2719 (checks should be made out to Scholarship America with “Steiner Family Scholarship Fund” written in the check memo area).
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