Date Of Birth: April 30, 1919
Date Of Death: July 17, 2009
Jane Lavancia (Crosby) Mindach was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 30, 1919, the daughter of Pearl and Sanford Crosby. At a young age she moved with her parents to Indianapolis, Indiana. She was united in marriage to Fred C. Mindach on September 30, 1941 at Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church the day of her parent’s 26th wedding anniversary. They made their home in Indianapolis and their five children were born here. Jane and Fred were active members of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.Jane’s husband, Fred, passed away on April 30, 1961. She was united in marriate to Frank C. Mindach on August 1, 1964. Jane was a full-time homemaker for many years. She later was employed as a bus driver for St. Peter’s Lutheran School, worked in the bookstore and financial office at Arsenal Technical High School and for various public schools around Indianapolis as a teacher’s aide. She retired finally in 2002, at the age of 82, after twenty-eight years of working for IPS. Jane loved her family, being with people, especially children, and talking, talking and talking.Jane went to be with her Lord on July 17, 2009. She is survived by her children; daughter Jan and Denny Struck of Appleton, Wisconsin, daughter Carol and Gary Brewer of Plain City, Ohio, daughter Frieda and Dave Zemke of Maywood, Illinois, son Fred and Sandra Mindach II of Marion, Indiana, and son Rex and Julia Mindach of Alexandria, Minnesota, fifteen grandchildren; Amy (David) Lindenberg, Kelli Werner, Nathan (Nicole) Werner, Carrie (Patrick) Benac, Sandra Brewer, Jim Brewer, Laura (Matt) Schwarz,Sarah Zemke, David Zemke, Fred (Nicky) Mindach IIIMatthew Mindach, Christopher Mindach, Sophie MindachAdrian Mindach, Leighton Mindach; and eight great-grandchildren; Jacob Lindenberg, Gretchen Lindenberg, Riley Werner, Kruz Krejcha, Isaac Werner, Anthony Werner, Jason Benac, Trinity Mindach.Calling will be held at Harry W. Moore Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, July 24th from 4-8. Funeral Service will be on Saturday, July 25th at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church at 11:15 am, with calling from 10-11 at the Church. Jane will be entombed at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery.Memorial contributions, instead of flowers, may be given to St. Peter’s Church or an association of the donor’s choice.
David and Donna Griffin says
Rex, Fred, Freda and the rest of the Mindach clan – I was so saddened to hear that Jane passed away. She always had a smile and a story to share with you when you saw her! S&H campground and the cemetery, bowling pins and bananas are what I remember most… Before mom passed away she used to reminisce about Tech and seeing Jane and other friends working there. I am so sorry that we will miss everyone… We are leaving on Thursday to go out of town and we won’t be returning until Friday the 31st. Jane and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! Please keep in touch – Dave and Donna Griffin 317-894-0006 or cell 915-873-8435
Dave and Donna Griffin says
Rex, Fred, Freda and the rest of the Mindach clan – I was so saddened to hear that Jane passed away. She always had a smile and a story to share with you when you saw her! S&H campground and the cemetery, bowling pins and bananas are what I remember most… Before mom passed away she used to reminisce about Tech and seeing Jane and other friends working there. I am so sorry that we will miss everyone… We are leaving on Thursday to go out of town and we won’t be returning until Friday the 31st. Jane and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! Please keep in touch – Dave and Donna Griffin 317-894-0006 or cell 915-873-8435
Rev Peter A List says
She was a living saint… now she has her crown of glory.Meant to include that in the original. As for the bit about her being my older sibs teacher… I was pretty sure they had her for Sunday School or something, but I could be wrong. I was several twinkles in my parents eye away back when that would have been the case.To expand on how she’d smile when I came back for a visit… as much as she wanted to bring joy to everyone- and indeed did so- the last several years, when I observed her before she saw me, I could see there was some pain and hardship in her life. Being trained in hospital chaplaincy and now nursing, I know how to assess a person’s well being even if they are non-verbal. So the contrast in her mien, her visage, her aura if you will, between before she saw me and afterwards was very strong and striking to me.
Rev Peter A List says
Heaven is a happier and better place for her presence there. She was never my teacher as she was for my older siblings, but she was such a delightful loving person that words scarcely suffice!What most sticks in my mind is that over the years as I lived around other parts of the country and would come back to visit my parents, very often I’d catch sight of her at St. Peters before she caught sight of me. Every time, the moment she saw/recognized me, her face would glow and her smile would grow.The world would be a much better place were most people 1/10th as passionate, dedicated, and loving as she was!
Sue Sprinkle says
My prayers are with all of you in the loss of your loved one. May you be very aware of the presence of our God.
Blessings and Prayers
Sue Sprinkle
Don Mindach says
We will miss her… Though we didn’t see each other often, I always liked “Aunt Jane”.
Gale Sewell says
Praying for you at this difficult time.
Diane Vlach says
Dear Mindach Family,
Jane was my teaching assistant and later volunteer in my kindergarten classroom at School #78. She was a God send to me. I wish that I had written down all her sayings and phrases that she had learned from her mother and grandmother. I still catch myself at recess time saying “the kids need to go out and blow the stink off”.
Jane was dedicated to helping others. She will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
Diane Vlach
Timothy Schneider says
Your Mom was such a hoot! I couldn’t wait to see her at Tech events like Mardi Gras. I just remember always laughing when she was around. Couldn’t begin to tell you what her schtick was, only that I’d be in tears laughing so hard at her antics. She threw her whole body and face into every story. I really missed seeing her after I graduated.
Beth Arnot Ritchie says
Dear Mindachs,
I’m not sure that you’ll remember me but “Aunt Jane” & the rest of the family are VERY vivid memories of my youth. From the laughter & love that all of you shared; to the Sammy Terry shows; player piano; Carol helping me to “grow up”; the boys putting up with ANOTHER girl in the house. And always, your mom laughing & loving life. My heart is heavy but the memories are sweet. God Bless all of you.
Terri Suzi Schneider says
Dear Jan (and the rest of the Mindach clan) it is with great sorrow and I must say spiritual joy that I read about the passing of your mother. Her quick whit and funny stories must have Heaven in stitches by now û never a dull moment to be sure. What a hoot! Jan, please know my prayers are with you and your family – faith prevails, comfort comes.
Linda Jean Dirr says
To my SWEET Aunt Jane. I will miss you terribly. You are at peace now and in heaven with all of our loved ones. Give them a kiss and hug from me. I love you. Linda Jean
Charlene Beaty 62 says
Dear Jan,
I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. It’s been a long time since Tech and I don’t even know if you will remember me. Our 50th reunion is coming up in 2012 and maybe I’ll get to see you then, or as I travel around kayaking all 50-states.
My warmest regards,
Charlene Beaty Bailey Swankie
Cora LShrum says
Dear Carol, Gary and family,
Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of your during this difficult time. May God be with you at this time and comfort you.
You are in our thoughts and prayers,
love,
Neil and Cora
Laura Schwarz says
I will always miss you grandma until the day we meet again in heaven. I will never forget how funny you were. I have two things to say, “Auch du Lieber” and “Saint to Molacite”!
Beckie Giddens Paetz says
Dear Mindach Family, We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Eastern Avenue will not be the same without her. She was definitely one of a kind, who always made us laugh. Charles and Josephine (Giddens) are now living in Florida and send their condolences.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With warmest regards. The Giddens Family
Ruth Krueger Phye says
Dear Entire Mindach Family,
It has been a long time since I saw Aunt Jane, but as many have already said in their tributes to her, she always made me laugh and smile. I have so many childhood memories of Aunt Jane – espcially teaching us her dancing skills (wink)! She related to us all at a level that made each of us feel so special, and looking back, I don’t see how anyone could have that amount of energy! Our family’s time at St. Peter’s was one of the highlights in my life, and Aunt Jane was a special part of that time. I know that she is with Christ. She will be remembered – always! Love to all of you!
Ruth (Krueger) Phye
Mary Koers Hinds says
Jane was always smiling and told very funny stories making us laugh. It was fun hanging out with your family, Page family and our family (Koers on Rural Street)
She will be missed by everyone who came in contact with her.
Michelle Gladstein says
My prayers are with all of Jane’s Family,
Jane was a character & one of a kind. I’m so grateful for the memories I have.
I lived next to Jane for 8-9yrs on Eastern Ave. & shared many Birthday dinners, Indians Games & block party functions & once I moved we didn’t miss a Christmas in 12 yrs. exchanging cards…She had a special place in my heart & I’m glad she was a part of my life…….
Will never forget the helpful hints she gave me… turn the cottage cheese upside in the fridge & it will last longer (I’ve thought of her everytime I’ve put the cottage cheese back in the fridge for all these yrs.) & she had the best homemade mixture for cleaning spots in the carpet.
Blessed she touched my life,
Michelle Gladstein & Family
Jeannie Wilson says
We will all miss Aunt Jane Mindach. Her and my mom and Aunt Katie were called the Hot Shot’s all of us kids use to go with them to the rest homes and sing along and dance, well they are all dancing in heaven with our Lord what a celebration!!! I will love her forever and think of all the wonderful time’s our family had together in Indianapolis when we were kids and the past few year’s, all the family reunions she was always there. God bless you all Jan,Carol Freda,Rex and Fred and your familys. I so wish I could be there with all of you. Love to you all
Jeannie & Roy Wilson & Family
Rev DelDoris Krueger says
Jane and her family supplied us with so many great memories while we lived in Indy. She was “one-of-a-kind” and will not be forgotten as long as we live.
“For me to live is Christ – to die is gain!”
Susan Forkner Lebo says
I have such wonderful memories or your Mother. At Tech if there was a crowd of people laughing she would be right in the middle. If there were a joke to be told, she would tell it. If you just needed a big smile to get through the day, she would give you one willingly. What fun she provided and what fun she had. My sister, Jeanne, thought the world of her. I know you will miss her every day.
I hope it helps to know she touched so many lives and we all smile when we think of her. My prayers and sympathy to your family.
Karen Kober says
Jane was a generous, kind, loving woman. She was always so thoughtful- remembering birthdays and other important days. Jane volunteered in my first grade classroom weekly for years. We loved watching her walk in with her beret on her head and a big smile on her face. She worked with small groups of children and gave them the kind of attention only a loving grandma could give. The children blossomed as they sat with her and worked in their skills. The soaked up her attention…It was always the highlight of their week! Jane was a one-of-a-kind person, she will truly be missed
Daniel Picot says
To the Mindach Family
Your mother was different then all the others on Eastern Ave. She always took time to tell a story, a joke or just talk. Always had a smile, always happy. Was quick to let us know when we really messed up and almost always the first one on the secene when someone was ill or injured.
She was one of a kind. I have yet to meet anyone like her.
Your loss is shared by many.
Daniel Picot
Indianapolis
Cathy Hahn says
So Sorry for your loss and please know that she is now in a far better place and will wait until she again see all of you.
Sincerely,
Bill & Cathy Hahn
Sally Harding Francis says
Mrs Mindach was a very special lady & I was honored to know her. Frieda & I were friends at TECH years ago, but even years later I would run into Jane & she always knew my name. You are in my prayers. God Bless You all.
Helen Arnold says
I remember meeting and seeing Mrs. Mindach on many occasions when I went to school with Carol. It seemed she always had at least one little one with her. I remember the joy in Carol’s voice when she would announce the arrival of a new baby in the Mindach home. Mrs. Mindach always helped at functions at school 74. She will be missed by those who knew and loved her.
Donna Wooten says
My condolences to the Mindach Family.
I remember my freshman year working in the Tech Bookstore with your mother. She always had a funny story to share and a great laugh. She was encouraging and fun to work for especially since I was a shy little freshman at that time. I have fond memories of those High School days and even though I was the younger sister to Barba Wooten it was a great time hanging with the class of 76 although the class of 79 still remains to be so Fine!
My thoughts and prays go out for you REX and your family.
Donna Wooten
Denver, Co.
Barba Wooten Baer says
Dear Family,
My condolences at this time of loss. I certainly have pleasant memories from way back when I was a Tech Titan and she worked there. She was such a wonderful influence. I also have lots of good memories of times with Rex and our gang from the class of ’76 as well. She certainly made a positive influence on him and his fun loving personality. I certainly hope he and his family are well. I see your wife is Julia, so I might mention I too have a daughter Julia, and two sons Jacob, and Josh.. All three in college now so these are busy days for their Dad and I. I heard of your Mom’s passing on a list serve from our grade school #21. It was nice to have those memories of fun high school times come to mind.
I am a hospice Rn and deal with death situations frequently,and I know it is always sad to lose one we love. Always remember she will live on through you and in you and someday we will all meet again.
Take care, Barba Wooten Baer
Kimberly A Sombke says
I’m Sorry for your loss but rejoyce with you in her calling home.. I know Your Mom will make a great Angel Her wings may be a bit wild colored I’m sure..She is one of the most colorful angels God Has called to be home. I didn’t know her long but Loved every moment I was blessed to spend with her. I was out of town Just got home today. I have been praying and thinking of your family. With much Love Kimberly
David Krueger says
As many have already said, my memories of Aunt Jane (and the rest of the Mindach family) are happy ones. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kathy Hoecker says
Dear Family,
I am so proud to have known Aunt Jane. She was certainly all and more that everyone has said about her. During my growing up years at St. Peter’s she was one of the most important people in my life, thus, you all were,too.(I still haven’t forgiven my folks for moving!!) It was amazing to see all of you at the celebration service. Everything connected with you will always be among my life’s “unforgettables”. Love to you all. Kathy(Krueger)Hoecker