Obituaries

April 27, 1918 to July 3, 2016

PLYMOUTH - Max L. Ginder, 98, passed away at the Catherine Kasper Home in Donaldson on Sunday, July 3.

He was born April 27, 1918 in Porter Cross Roads, Porter County, to the late Charles and Hazel Miller Ginder. He married Jeanette Fites on Sept. 19, 1947. She died in 2000.

As a child, Mr. Ginder's 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. He was part of the 1936 graduating class of Lincoln High School in Plymouth. After graduation he began working at the Plymouth Bear Cat Store. Over the years he became a valuable employee eventually managing stores in Plymouth, Niles, Michigan and Winamac.

While in Winamac a young woman (Jeanette) would stop in the Bear Cat to talk. After their marriage they successfully operated and eventually became owners of the Winamac Bear Cat Store. Over the years the couple trained many of their "boys" at the Bear Cat. Their "boys" kept in contact and were grateful for the support, guidance, and values the were taught by Max and Jeanette. For 37 years The Bear Cat was a mainstay of downtown businesses in Winamac.

After 53 years of marriage, Max decided to move back to Plymouth after Jeanette's death to be closer to his sisters and other family. Over 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.

Mr. Ginder is survived by his youngest sister, Jean Hoover who said Max "was the best brother ever". His 19 nieces and nephews and his best friend, Wanda Gibson will also miss him, his humor, and stories. He was preceded in passing by brother Milford (Irma) Ginder, sister Annabelle (William) Whitesell, sister Elberta (George) Davis, brothers-in-law Eldon "Pete" Peterson, Bufford Hoover, a niece Lynn (Peterson) Keresztes, a nephew Mark Peterson and a great niece Claire Jimenez.

A time of visiting with the Ginder family will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, Friday, July 8, at the Van Gilder Funeral Home, Plymouth. The funeral service will follow at 12 noon, at the funeral home with Rev. Thomas Rough officiating. Private burial will follow the service at the Winamac Cemetery, Winamac

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, Indiana 46563.

Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories of Mr. Ginder with his family at www.vangilderfuneralhome.com