Ray Kroc's First Wife: The Untold Story

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Ray Kroc is a name that is synonymous with McDonald's, the fast-food chain that has become a global phenomenon. However, not much is known about the man behind the brand, and even less is known about his first wife, Ethel Fleming Kroc. In this article, we will delve into the life of Ray Kroc's first wife, her marriage to him, and her role in the success of McDonald's.

Who was Ethel Fleming Kroc?

Ethel Fleming was born on September 23, 1907, in Illinois, United States. She grew up in a family of six children and attended the University of Illinois, where she studied music. After graduating, she worked as a music teacher for a few years before marrying Ray Kroc.

How did Ethel Fleming and Ray Kroc meet?

Ethel met Ray Kroc in 1922 when they were both teenagers. They attended the same high school in Oak Park, Illinois, and were classmates. They started dating in their senior year and got married in 1924 when they were both 17 years old.

What was Ethel's role in the early days of McDonald's?

Ethel played a significant role in the early days of McDonald's. When Ray Kroc first started working with the McDonald brothers in the 1950s, Ethel was by his side, helping him with the business. She was known to be a hard worker and was involved in many aspects of the business, including bookkeeping, payroll, and customer service.

Why did Ray Kroc and Ethel Fleming divorce?

Ray Kroc and Ethel Fleming divorced in 1961 after 37 years of marriage. The reason for their divorce is not clear, but it is believed to be due to Ray Kroc's affair with Joan Kroc, his future wife. Ethel never publicly spoke about the divorce, and very little is known about her life after the divorce.

What was the public's reaction to Ethel Fleming Kroc?

Since very little is known about Ethel Fleming Kroc, there is not much information about the public's reaction to her. However, it is safe to say that she did not receive the recognition she deserved for her role in the success of McDonald's. Ray Kroc is often credited with the company's success, but Ethel's contributions are often overlooked.

Summary Table

Category	Information
Name	Ethel Fleming Kroc
Birthdate	September 23, 1907
Marriage to Ray Kroc	1924-1961
Role in McDonald's	Bookkeeping, payroll, customer service
Divorce from Ray Kroc	1961

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ethel Fleming Kroc played a significant role in the success of McDonald's, but her contributions are often overlooked. She was a hard worker and was involved in many aspects of the business, but her marriage to Ray Kroc overshadowed her achievements. It is important to recognize her role in the success of McDonald's and to give her the credit she deserves. Although her life after her divorce from Ray Kroc is not well known, her legacy lives on through her contributions to McDonald's.