Joseph F. Kolder

Curtis

Our beloved husband and father, Joseph F. Kolder, went home to be with his Lord on July 21, 2024. 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.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Agnes (Sukany) Kolder, daughter Tammi Jean Kolder, sister Joan Kolder, father-in-law G.H. Tidswell and mother-in-law Helen Tidswell. He is survived by his wife, Rev. Sandra J. Kolder, daughters, Kim Kolder and Karen (Vaughn) Kauffman, granddaughters Jordin and Sydney Kauffman, and brother-in-law William Tidswell.

Arrangements are being provided by Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising. Visitation will be held at Bowerman’s located at 302 E. Superior Street in Munising on Thursday July 25, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Manistique (190 N. Cedar Street) on Friday July 26, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation prior to the service from 11:00-1:00. A luncheon will be provided following the service. Private graveside service will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Curtis. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to First United Methodist Church in Manistique or Habitat for Humanity of Schoolcraft County or the charity of your choice.