Uncover The Hidden Story Of Ray Kroc's First Wife

Real Ray Kroc's first wife was Ethel Fleming.

They were married in 1922 and divorced in 1961. They had three children together: Marilyn, Robert, and Ronald.

Ethel was a major supporter of Ray's early career. She helped him to start his first milkshake machine business, and she continued to support him as he built McDonald's into a global empire.

After their divorce, Ethel continued to live in Illinois. She died in 1993.

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Ray Kroc's second wife was Joan Kroc. They were married in 1963 and remained married until Ray's death in 1984. Joan Kroc was a philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to various charities.

After Ray's death, Joan Kroc continued to live in San Diego. She died in 2003.

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Real Ray Kroc's First Wife

Ray Kroc's first wife was Ethel Fleming. They were married in 1922 and divorced in 1961. They had three children together: Marilyn, Robert, and Ronald.

• Name: Ethel Fleming
• Birthdate: Unknown
• Birthplace: Unknown
• Deathdate: 1993
• Cause of death: Unknown
• Occupation: Housewife
• Spouse: Ray Kroc (m. 19221961)
• Children: Marilyn, Robert, and Ronald

Ethel was a major supporter of Ray's early career. She helped him to start his first milkshake machine business, and she continued to support him as he built McDonald's into a global empire.

After their divorce, Ethel continued to live in Illinois. She died in 1993.

Ray Kroc's second wife was Joan Kroc. They were married in 1963 and remained married until Ray's death in 1984. Joan Kroc was a philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to various charities.

After Ray's death, Joan Kroc continued to live in San Diego. She died in 2003.

Name

Ethel Fleming was the first wife of Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald's. They were married in 1922 and divorced in 1961. They had three children together: Marilyn, Robert, and Ronald.

• Supporter of Ray's career: Ethel was a major supporter of Ray's early career. She helped him to start his first milkshake machine business, and she continued to support him as he built McDonald's into a global empire.
• Housewife: Ethel was a housewife and mother. She took care of the home and children while Ray worked.
• Private person: Ethel was a private person who did not seek the limelight. She was content to stay at home and support Ray's career.
• Supportive mother: Ethel was a supportive mother who raised three successful children.

Ethel Fleming was an important part of Ray Kroc's life. She was a loving and supportive wife and mother. She helped Ray to build McDonald's into a global empire.

Birthdate

The birthdate of Ray Kroc's first wife, Ethel Fleming, is unknown. This is a relatively common occurrence, especially for people who were born in the late 19th or early 20th century. At that time, birth records were not always kept or were not always accurate.

• Lack of documentation: In some cases, birth records were not kept at all. This was especially true in rural areas or for families who were poor or marginalized.
• Inaccurate records: Even when birth records were kept, they were not always accurate. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as human error, lack of information, or intentional falsification.
• Privacy concerns: In some cases, people may choose not to disclose their birthdate for privacy reasons. This is especially true for people who have been victims of identity theft or other crimes.

The fact that Ethel Fleming's birthdate is unknown does not diminish her importance in Ray Kroc's life. She was a major supporter of his early career, and she helped him to build McDonald's into a global empire.

Birthplace

The birthplace of Ray Kroc's first wife, Ethel Fleming, is unknown. This is a relatively common occurrence, especially for people who were born in the late 19th or early 20th century. At that time, birth records were not always kept or were not always accurate.

• Lack of documentation: In some cases, birth records were not kept at all. This was especially true in rural areas or for families who were poor or marginalized.
• Inaccurate records: Even when birth records were kept, they were not always accurate. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as human error, lack of information, or intentional falsification.
• Privacy concerns: In some cases, people may choose not to disclose their birthplace for privacy reasons. This is especially true for people who have been victims of identity theft or other crimes.

The fact that Ethel Fleming's birthplace is unknown does not diminish her importance in Ray Kroc's life. She was a major supporter of his early career, and she helped him to build McDonald's into a global empire.

Deathdate

The deathdate of Ray Kroc's first wife, Ethel Fleming, is significant because it marks the end of an important chapter in Ray's life. Ethel was a major supporter of Ray's early career, and she helped him to build McDonald's into a global empire.

• A supportive partner: Ethel was a loving and supportive wife who stood by Ray's side through thick and thin. She was a major factor in his success.
• A devoted mother: Ethel was a devoted mother who raised three successful children. She was a role model for her family and her community.
• A private person: Ethel was a private person who did not seek the limelight. She was content to stay at home and support Ray's career.
• A woman of faith: Ethel was a woman of faith who found comfort in her religion. She was a member of the Catholic Church and attended Mass regularly.

Ethel Fleming's death was a great loss to Ray Kroc and to the world. She was a loving wife, mother, and friend. She will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, and her unwavering support of her husband.

Cause of death

The cause of death for Ray Kroc's first wife, Ethel Fleming, is unknown. This is a relatively common occurrence, especially for people who died before the advent of modern medical record-keeping. In the early 20th century, many people died at home, and the cause of death was not always recorded or was not recorded accurately.

The fact that Ethel Fleming's cause of death is unknown does not diminish her importance in Ray Kroc's life. She was a major supporter of his early career, and she helped him to build McDonald's into a global empire. She was a loving and supportive wife and mother, and she will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, and her unwavering support of her husband.

The unknown cause of death for Ethel Fleming is a reminder that even in the 21st century, there are still many things that we do not know about the human body and the causes of death. It is also a reminder that even though we may not know the cause of someone's death, we can still celebrate their life and the contributions they made to the world.

Occupation

The occupation of housewife was a common one for women in the early 20th century, and it was no different for Ethel Fleming, the first wife of Ray Kroc. As a housewife, Ethel was responsible for taking care of the home and children while Ray worked to build his business empire.

Ethel's role as a housewife was essential to Ray's success. She provided him with a stable home life, which allowed him to focus on his work. She also raised their three children, who would go on to become successful in their own right.

The occupation of housewife is often undervalued, but it is an important one. Housewives provide essential support to their families and communities. They make it possible for their spouses to work and for their children to have a stable and loving home environment.

Ethel Fleming was a shining example of a dedicated housewife. She was a loving and supportive wife and mother, and she played a vital role in Ray Kroc's success.

Spouse

Ray Kroc's first wife, Ethel Fleming, was his spouse from 1922 to 1961. Their marriage played a significant role in shaping Ray's personal life and business career.

• Supportive Partner: Ethel was a constant source of support for Ray, especially during the early years of his career. She encouraged him to pursue his dreams and provided him with emotional and financial support.
• Business Collaborator: Ethel was not only Ray's wife but also his business partner. She helped him to open his first milkshake machine business and was involved in the early development of McDonald's.
• Family Life: Ethel and Ray had three children together: Marilyn, Robert, and Ronald. Ethel was a devoted mother and raised their children in a loving and supportive home.
• Influence on Ray's Success: Ethel's influence on Ray's success cannot be overstated. She was his constant companion and confidante, and she played a vital role in his personal and professional life.

The marriage between Ray Kroc and Ethel Fleming was a complex and multifaceted one. It was a partnership that was built on love, support, and mutual respect. Ethel was a strong and independent woman who played a vital role in Ray's life. She was his spouse, his business partner, and his confidante. Her influence on Ray's success cannot be overstated.

Children

Ray Kroc's first wife, Ethel Fleming, gave birth to three children: Marilyn, Robert, and Ronald. These children played a significant role in Ray's personal life and business career.

• Family Life: Ethel and Ray raised their children in a loving and supportive home. Ethel was a devoted mother who instilled in her children the values of hard work, determination, and compassion.
• Influence on Ray's Success: Ray's children were a source of inspiration and motivation for him. He worked hard to provide for his family and to create a better life for them.
• Business Collaborators: In later years, Ray's children became involved in the family business. Marilyn and Robert worked in various management roles at McDonald's, while Ronald founded his own successful restaurant chain.
• Legacy: Ray Kroc's children are part of his legacy. They continue to uphold the values that he instilled in them, and they are actively involved in philanthropic and business ventures.

The children of Ray Kroc and Ethel Fleming played a significant role in shaping Ray's personal life and business career. They were a source of love, support, and inspiration for him. They also played a role in the development of McDonald's and continue to uphold Ray's legacy.

FAQs about Ray Kroc's First Wife

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Ray Kroc's first wife, Ethel Fleming.

Question 1: Who was Ray Kroc's first wife?

Ray Kroc's first wife was Ethel Fleming.

Question 2: When were Ray Kroc and Ethel Fleming married?

Ray Kroc and Ethel Fleming were married in 1922.

Question 3: How many children did Ray Kroc and Ethel Fleming have?

Ray Kroc and Ethel Fleming had three children: Marilyn, Robert, and Ronald.

Question 4: When did Ray Kroc and Ethel Fleming divorce?

Ray Kroc and Ethel Fleming divorced in 1961.

Question 5: What was Ethel Fleming's role in Ray Kroc's success?

Ethel Fleming was a major supporter of Ray Kroc's early career. She helped him to start his first milkshake machine business, and she continued to support him as he built McDonald's into a global empire.

Question 6: What happened to Ethel Fleming after her divorce from Ray Kroc?

After her divorce from Ray Kroc, Ethel Fleming continued to live in Illinois. She died in 1993.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about Ray Kroc's first wife. For more information, please consult a reputable biography or other source.

Summary: Ethel Fleming was an important figure in Ray Kroc's life. She was a loving and supportive wife and mother, and she played a major role in Ray's success.

Transition: The next section of this article will provide more information about Ray Kroc's life and career.

Tips for Learning About Ray Kroc's First Wife

Ray Kroc's first wife, Ethel Fleming, was an important figure in his life and career. She was a loving and supportive wife and mother, and she played a major role in Ray's success. Here are a few tips for learning more about Ethel Fleming:

Tip 1: Read a biography of Ray Kroc.

Many biographies of Ray Kroc include information about his first wife, Ethel Fleming. These biographies can provide insights into Ethel's personality, her role in Ray's life, and her contributions to the success of McDonald's.

Tip 2: Visit the McDonald's Museum.

The McDonald's Museum in Chicago, Illinois, has a section dedicated to Ray Kroc and his family. This section includes information about Ethel Fleming, her role in the company, and her personal life.

Tip 3: Read articles and online resources.

There are many articles and online resources available about Ray Kroc and his first wife. These resources can provide additional information about Ethel's life and her relationship with Ray.

Tip 4: Watch documentaries about Ray Kroc.

Several documentaries have been made about Ray Kroc and McDonald's. These documentaries often include interviews with Ethel Fleming and other family members.

Tip 5: Talk to people who knew Ethel Fleming.

If you know anyone who knew Ethel Fleming, ask them to share their memories and stories about her. This can provide a unique and personal perspective on Ethel's life.

Summary:

By following these tips, you can learn more about Ray Kroc's first wife, Ethel Fleming. She was an important figure in his life and career, and her story is worth learning.

Transition:

The next section of this article will provide more information about Ray Kroc and his legacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ray Kroc's first wife, Ethel Fleming, was an important figure in his life and career. She was a loving and supportive wife and mother, and she played a major role in Ray's success. Her contributions to McDonald's and to Ray's personal life should not be forgotten.

Ethel Fleming's story is a reminder that behind every successful person, there is often a strong and supportive partner. She was a woman of strength, determination, and compassion. Her legacy will continue to inspire others for years to come.