‘We share life,’ says Muskegon Floral Co. owner about the community’s support as it closed after 98 years - MLive.com

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MUSKEGON, MI – After 98 years, Muskegon Floral Co., officially closed its doors on Saturday.

“You know, we have so many wonderful customers. We share stories. We share life,” said owner Jane Buthker. “We end up standing here talking as much as we do selling products.”

The first of two customer appreciation events are planned for today and Tuesday, June 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Buthker married into the family-run business, located at 1459 Pine St., and led operations when her husband, Bill Buthker, died nearly four years ago.

“We worked kind of hand in hand,” she said. “He worked out in the greenhouse and I worked in the store. It was good working together.”

Bill Buthker’s grandfather opened shop in 1923 and Jane worked at the business for 40 years.

Two longtime employees worked for Muskegon Floral Co. Ken Natte started in the greenhouses in 1970 and Marty Twining has worked in the shop creating arrangements for 18 years.

“It’s time to retire. It will be hard but it’s okay. We’ve had a good business here. The community has supported us, they have been wonderful, and we have made some wonderful relationships.”