Obituary of Joseph G. Minder

North Creek: Joseph G. Minder, 88, of Fairview Ave., passed away, Sunday, April 2, 2006 at the Adirondack Tri-County Health Care Center in North Creek with his loving family by his side. Born May 5, 1917 in North River, he was the son of the late Joseph L. and Anna (Kaufmann) Minder. Joe married Hazel M. Allen on December 8, 1948 in North Creek, where they continued to reside and raise their family. Upon graduation from North Creek High School, Joe became employed at Barton Mines Corp. until his induction into the US Army in May of 1941. On May 6, 1942, he was captured on the island of Corregidor, serving the next three and a half years of his life as a Japanese prisoner of war. Following his release and after a lengthy rehabilitation period, he returned to his former employer, Barton Mines Corp., where he worked until his retirement in 1982. While Joe’s incarceration as a POW presented untold suffering and loss, his ultimate survival and liberation on September 12, 1945 left him with a genuine appreciation for life which he carried with him until his final days. In addition to an unwavering devotion to his family, Joe demonstrated a heartfelt concern and interest in many of the area’s local youths and those less fortunate. Joe especially enjoyed the time he was able to share with his grandchildren and family. His many interest included fishing, hunting, sharing the harvest of his vegetable garden with family and friends and downhill skiing. Some of his most cherished memories included vacationing with his wife on the coast of Maine, instructing his grandson in the finer points of Trout fishing and taking his last downhill ski at the age of 81 with his granddaughter. Organizations that he actively participated in included the North Creek United Methodist Church, the local Boys Scout Troop, the Johnsburg Volunteer Fire Department, the North Creek American Legion Post 629, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the 70+ Ski Club and the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor. Joe’s faith, strength, courage, love of freedom and concern for his fellow man will remain an inspiration to those fortunate enough to have known and loved him. His two sisters, Helen and Josephine and his brother, William have all predeceased him. Survivors include his devoted wife of 57 years and caregiver, Hazel Minder of North Creek; his sons, Robert J. Minder and his wife, Eileen of South Glens Falls, Jack T. Minder of North River; his sister, Elizabeth of Merrick, Long Island; his brother, George and his wife, Marcia of Palm City FL; his grandchildren, Justin and Lindsey Minder; and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Joe’s family from 5-8 pm Wednesday at the Alexander Funeral Home, Inc, 4479 State Rt. 28, North River. Members of the North Creek American Legion Post will assemble for a brief service at 7 pm Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 am Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Diane Marquit, Pastor of the North Creek United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, North Creek. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Adirondack Tri-County Health Care Center, North Creek United Methodist Church, Johnsburg EMS or a charity of ones choice. Visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.