Max L. Ginder
After a long and successful life Max L. Ginder passed away at the Catherine Kasper Home in Donaldson on Sunday, July 3.
Max was born in Porter Cross Roads, Porter County, to Charles and Hazel (Miller) Ginder. As a child the family moved many times, but always had interesting adventures as told by Max to his friends and family. Max along with his sisters, brother and father had a family band that entertained at the local events. Max was part of the 1936 graduating class of Lincoln High School in Plymouth. After graduation he began working at the Plymouth Bear Cat Store. During the years he became a valuable employee eventually managing stores in Plymouth; Niles, Michigan; and Winamac.
While in Winamac a young woman would stop in the Bear Cat to talk. On Sept. 19, 1947, that young woman, Jeanette Fites, became his wife. He and Jeanette successfully operated and eventually became owners of the Winamac Bear Cat Store. Max and Jeanette trained many of their “boys” at the Bear Cat. Their “boys” kept in contact and were grateful for the support, guidance and values they were taught by Max and Jeanette. For 37 years, the Bear Cat was a mainstay of downtown businesses in Winamac.
Max and Jeanette had been married for 53 years when Jeanette passed away in 2000. Max then decided to move back to Plymouth to be closer to his sisters and other family. During the last years many nieces and nephews heard more of the exploits of the Ginder family from Uncle Max and encouraged him to write his “story.” Max’s family will enjoy reading and reminiscing over his life story for years to come.
Max is survived by his youngest sister Jean Hoover, who said Max “was the best brother ever;” Max’s 19 nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Wanda Gibson, who will also miss him, his humor, and stories.
He was preceded in passing by his mother and father; brother Milford [Irma] Ginder; sisters: Annabelle [William] Whitesell and Elberta [George] Davis; brothers-in-law: Eldon “Pete” Peterson and Bufford Hoover; niece Lynn (Peterson) Keresztes; nephew Mark Peterson; and a great-niece Claire Jimenez.
A time of visiting with the Ginder family will be held on Friday, July 8, at the Van Gilder Funeral Home, 300 West Madison Street Plymouth, from 10 a.m. to noon. A funeral in honor of Max will follow at the Van Gilder Funeral Home at noon with Rev. Thomas Rough officiating. Private burial will follow the service in the Winamac cemetery.
The Ginder family has requested in lieu of flowers donations be made in Max’s name to Center of Hospice and Palliative Care, 112 S. Center Street Plymouth, IN, 46563.
Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook and share memories of Max with his family at www.vangilderfuneralhome.com.
(Pulaski County Journal — July 6, 2016)