Christel DeHaan
| Christel DeHaan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
1942 (age 75–76) Nördlingen, Germany |
| Residence | Indianapolis, Indiana, US |
| Occupation | founder, Christel House International |
| Known for | co-founder and former owner, Resort Condominiums International |
| Net worth | $900 million (2016)[1] |
| Spouse(s) | Jon DeHaan (1973-87) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) |
Adolf Stark Anna Stark |
Christel DeHaan (born 1942) is a German-born American businesswoman and philanthropist, the former owner of Resort Condominiums International, and the founder of Christel House International.
Early life
She was born in 1942 in Nördlingen, Germany,[2] the daughter of Adolf Stark, a German soldier who died mere weeks before the end of World War II, and his wife Anna Stark.[3] Her stepfather, Wilhelm Riedel died when she was 16.[3] At the age of 16, she moved to the United Kingdom to become a nanny.[2] Aged 20, she emigrated to the United States, settling in Indiana.[2]
Career
In 1974, DeHaan co-founded the pioneering timeshare company Resort Condominiums International, with her then-husband Jon DeHaan. In 1979, he had a heart attack, and she took over the running of the company. In 1987, they divorced; she was awarded half the company and bought the rest for $67.5 million.[1]
Philanthropy
DeHaan has given away $220 million, and founded the charity Christel House International.[1]
Personal life
In 1972, she married Jon DeHaan.[2] She has three children and lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, US.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Christel DeHaan". Forbes. Retrieved 13 March 2017.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Hawn, Carleen (16 November 1998). "Yearning for Love". Forbes. Retrieved 13 March 2017.
- 1 2 Michael S. Maurer (7 January 2009). 19 Stars of Indiana: Exceptional Hoosier Women. Indiana University Press. pp. 14–25. ISBN 0-253-00270-2. Retrieved 13 March 2017.