COLUMBUS
Joseph “Joe” Andrew Kinderman, 79, of Columbus, went home to be with his Lord and Savior in the early morning of Thursday, December 7, 2023. Joe was born on April 4, 1944, to Clifford Kinderman and Eugenia Osborne Kinderman in Athens, Georgia. During his school years, Joe delivered newspapers to a young girl who would later become his beloved wife, Ann Ryan Kinderman. Together, they spent over 58 remarkable years creating a life filled with love and cherished memories.
Following a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, Joe retired from the security forces also having served in the Vietnam War. Throughout his military journey, accompanied by Ann and their daughter Michelle, Joe traversed various destinations worldwide, including several states and the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These adventures brought him immense joy, and after his unwavering faith, his family held the utmost importance in his heart.
Joe and Ann settled in Columbus, where Joe established Heavenly Handy Man Service, a successful business he owned for many years. Additionally, he and Ann ventured into the world of religious and liturgical clothing, garments, and flags, creating “Stitches Become Wishes,” a business that catered to customers across the globe. Joe’s passion for teaching led him to become an instructor at Ivy Tech and IUPUC, specializing in interpersonal communication. Joe and Ann were devout members of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Columbus.
Joe was a very loving person and always had the best jokes and “magic tricks” for his family and friends. During his life, he also enjoyed cooking, golfing, bowling, and going out to the shooting range, where he was also an expert sharpshooter, both in and out of the military. He was also a vital part of the Bartholomew Veteran’s Honor Guard where he played the bugle.
Joe is survived by his wife, Ann of Columbus, his daughter, Michelle Kinderman of Indianapolis, along with his grandson, Jesse Smith, and great-grandson Syre Smith also of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Eugenia Kinderman, and brothers, James Kinderman and Barrie Williams.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, December 15th at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Columbus, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m. with the Rev. Tim Carter officiating. The Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors.
Inurnment will be held at a later date at Crown Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made through the funeral home to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, the Bartholomew County Honor Guard, or Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana.
Arrangements entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.
You are invited to view Joe’s video tribute, light a virtual candle, and send a message to the family via the internet. www.jewellrittman.com
