Marilyn Kroc Barg was the daughter of Ray Kroc who was an American businessman. He purchased the fast food company McDonald’s in 1961 from the McDonalds brothers and was its CEO from 1967 to 1973. She played a crucial role in the success of McDonald’s, particularly in the company’s philanthropic efforts. She also had a passion for horses and was involved in equestrian sports including breeding and showing horses.

Who Is Marilyn Kroc Barg?

Marilyn Kroc Barg was born to Ethel Fleming (1922–1961). Couple met in 1919, soon fell in love before getting married in 1922 and then moving to Chicago, Illinois. They welcomed their daughter Marilyn in 1924.

She was the daughter of Ray Kroc, the businessman who transformed McDonald’s into a global fast-food giant. She was the only child from his first marriage to Ethel Fleming.

She was also involved in the McDonald’s corporation serving on its board of directors for a period of time. She was known to be a private individual and did not seek public attention or media coverage. Marilyn Kroc Barg passed away in 2003 at the age of 74 leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy and service to others.

Marilyn Kroc Barg’s Father

Marilyn Kroc Barg’s father first two marriages to Ethel Fleming (1922–1961) and Jane Dobbins Green (1963–1968) ended in divorce.

His third wife, Joan Kroc, was a philanthropist who significantly increased her charitable contributions after Kroc’s death. She donated to a variety of causes that interested her, such as the promotion of peace and nuclear nonproliferation.

In 2003, upon her death remaining $2.7 billion estate was distributed among a number of nonprofit organizations, including $1.5 billion donation to The Salvation Army to build 26 Kroc Centers, along with a $200 million donation to National Public Radio as she believed deeply in the power of public radio. She also donated to community centers serving underserved neighborhoods, throughout the country.

Ray Kroc was an American businessman who was born on October 5, 1902, and passed away on January 14, 1984. At the age of 81, he died four years later of heart failure at a hospital in San Diego, California, on January 14, 1984.