Greta Van Fleet Name Inspiration Dies In Frankenmuth

Gretna Van Fleet, the woman who inspired the name of the rock band Greta Van Fleet, has died at age 95.

According to her obituary, Van Fleet passed away May 18 at Winter Village in Frankenmuth after a life filled with music, art, and community service. She married Dale Van Fleet on July 17, 1949, at her family home in Hillsdale.

Gretna Van Fleet’s Deep Roots In Frankenmuth

ABC 12 reports that the couple later moved to Frankenmuth, where Van Fleet worked as an office manager for the Saginaw County Farm Bureau and later at Weiss Farm Equipment.

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She was also a founding member of the Bag Ladies at Frankenmuth United Methodist Church, helping with projects ranging from wedding dresses to crocheted helmet warmers for soldiers.

The Musical Life Of Gretna Van Fleet

Van Fleet was known for her musical talent and learned to play numerous instruments throughout her life, including drums, tuba, cornet, saxophone, standup bass, violin, dulcimer, psaltery, organ, and piano.

In her mid-20s, she and her brothers formed a dance band called the Allenaires.

How Gretna Van Fleet Inspired The Band’s Name

The rock band Greta Van Fleet chose its name in 2012 after an original drummer mentioned his grandfather was dropping him off to “cut wood for Gretna Van Fleet.” Frontman Josh Kiszka later dropped the “n” from Gretna to make the name easier to pronounce. Van Fleet later gave the band her blessing to use the name.

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Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. May 27 at Frankenmuth United Methodist Church. Visitation will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. May 26 at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth.