January 9, 1934 – July 21, 2024
Husband of Pastor Sandra K. Kolder, Joseph F. Kolder, went home to be with his Lord on July 21, 2024. Joe was the husband of retired local pastor Sandra J. Kolder who currently serves at Trenary and Munising UMCs in the Northern Skies District.
Joe was born and raised in Flint, MI. He and his late sister, Joan, often shared memories of growing up and celebrating their Czech heritage with their many cousins. He graduated from Flint Northern High School and General Motors Institute (Kettering University) where he studied mechanical engineering.
Joe and his wife, Sandi, were married for 57 years and they had two daughters that he loved dearly. He adored his two grandchildren and cherished spending time with his amazing family. Together they enjoyed traveling, downhill skiing, bowling, completing puzzles, playing tennis and golf.
He worked at GM’s Buick division as a mechanical engineer for five years and then took a job with The Austin Company in Detroit where he became head of the mechanical engineering department. He was an active participant in the Austin Company’s bowling and golf leagues. He left the Austin Company to join another firm to help with chemical engineering work before being asked to return to The Austin Company to be the mechanical representative on a two-year study upgrading all the naval jet installations throughout the United States. Upon completion of this project, he and his family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked in Austin’s corporate office until he retired in 1997. He briefly came out of retirement to complete some specialized work for Albert Kahn, an engineering firm in Detroit. His engineering career took him around the United States and to Canada and Europe.
After he retired, he and Sandi, moved to Curtis where he enjoyed working outdoors, volunteering at the Seney Natural History Association (currently called Friends of Seney National Wildlife Refuge) and serving as the secretary of their board of directors. He also served on the board of directors and was head of the construction crew for Schoolcraft County’s Habitat for Humanity. In addition, he was a member of the American Legion Post 290 in Engadine and served as chair of the Curtis Planning Commission. Joe served on various committees at the First United Methodist Church in Manistique and is credited for designing the front entrance of the church.
Joe was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. He will be sorely missed.
Memories can be shared online at https://www.bowermanfuneralhome.net/
Last Updated on February 28, 2025