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Joseph

Joseph A. Moulder

Joseph A. Moulder, passed away, Thursday, April 28, 2022 as a result of a long battle with Hashimoto’s disease.

He was born on March 4, 1946, in Newberry, Michigan. He graduated from Newberry High School in June of 1964. He attended Northern Michigan University for one year and transferred to Western Michigan University in September of 1965. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in June of 1967. He served with the First Calvary Division in Vietnam (’68-69’).

Upon discharge, he returned to WMU and mercifully received a Bachelors of Science and a Masters of Arts Degrees. His education was generously financed by the American Public through the GI Bill. Not one time, ever, was he disparaged for his Vietnam War participation. He received VA health care until his death. The care at the Battle Creek VA was always superior. So when people said, “Thank you for your service” he would reply, “You already have thanked me many times over.”

He taught high school science (of all ilks) at Wyoming Lee High School (Godfrey Lee Public Schools). He was very active in Science Olympiad locally, statewide and nationally. He was on the State Science Olympiad board for many years. After retirement, he taught physics at Cornerstone University and calc-physics labs at Grand Valley State University and worked briefly as a hazardous waste chemist. He enjoyed living sober for a long time.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, George and Margaret Moulder and sister, Ann; he is survived by wife, Harriet, daughter, Gretchen, son, Thadius (Susie), 5 grandchildren and loving sister Dorothy.

According to his wishes cremation has taken place.

Friends may visit with Joe’s family from 1-4 PM, Sunday, June 19, 2022 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.

A celebration of Joe’s life for his family and close friends will be held from 12-4 PM, Sunday, August 21, 2022 at his home in Otsego.

Contributions in memory of Joe many be made to Michigan Science Olympiad or Godfrey Lee Public Schools scholarship for science.

In lieu of flowers please plant a tree in memory of Joe.

Messages of condolence may be posted at

www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

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Offer Condolence for the family of Joseph A. Moulder

Condolence Messages

Sue West

April 29, 2022 at 7:43 pm

Oh, Harriet. I am so sad to learn that Joe is gone. You and Joe have been in my thoughts since we last worked together on the MiSO State board. Please know that you are loved and that Joe was loved. When I told Larry just now, he cried. Hang in there. And let us know what we can do if you need us.

Reply

Kirk Wolf

April 30, 2022 at 7:56 am

Man! So sad for your loss. Definitely planting a tree for Joe. Rest In Peace neighbor.

Reply

Della Bellgraph

April 30, 2022 at 8:23 am

Harriet, sorry to hear about your loss. Sending prayers and hugs to you and your family.

Della and Richard Bellgraph

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Kate Kitson

April 30, 2022 at 8:29 am

Harriet, I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was truly a free spirit and fun to be around. I had no idea how many science students he encouraged and helped realize there full potential. I’m sure his students are sharing Joe’s knowledge and enthusiasm for science are benefiting us all. You are in my prayers. Hugs

Reply

Ivan Zenker

April 30, 2022 at 9:06 am

Joe was my best friend from the time his family moved to south Newberry Ave when we were in 3rd grade if memory serves. We shared the mile long walk to school and Joe inspired me by introducing me to trout fishing and hunting. We shared many an outing in the peaceful natural surroundings if the UP of Michigan. After high school graduation we kept in touch by mail as he served in Nam and I got off easy in France. After our hitches were up we reconnected in Newberry from time to time and he honored me by asking me to be a best man at his wedding to Harriet. I got to return the favor two years later when he was best man at mine and Debbie’s wedding here in MN. Joe was always there for me in good times and when we were struggling with life. He gave of his time and caring freely and as evidenced by the loving comments of his former students on FB. I will miss Joe but am comforted by our lifelong friendship, memories and the mark my dear friend made on the world within his sphere especially through his career in teaching young people in science but also in life.

Reply

Monica Miskovich

April 30, 2022 at 10:36 am

Dear Harriet,

I’m so sorry. What a brilliant and kind man. An honor to know you both. Thinking of you with care.

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Dave Conrad

April 30, 2022 at 1:47 pm

Joe was one of the most wonderful human beings that I have known, He truly lived by the golden rule. Being totally

unselfish, he loved others more than himself. He made the world a better place.

I wish the best for his entire family.

Dave Conrad

Reply

Jade Paskewicz

May 2, 2022 at 11:58 am

He was such an amazing educator and science lover. Only have fond memories of him. He definitely made a significant impact on my career choice in science field. Made science Olympiad such a fun experience also. We are all touched by having known him!

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Lee, Linda, and Joe Gorton

May 2, 2022 at 12:51 pm

Harriet: So sad to hear of Joe’s passing and your loss. Joe was a real character-in a good way. I thought of Joe as a distant brother as we were both grunts from the 60’s. God bless him- he will be missed.

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Sheila S

May 2, 2022 at 1:13 pm

Mrs. Moulder, Tad & Gretchen & families,

I am sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Moulder.

I will remember him at school functions, at the soccer fields either being a ref or cheering on his kids soccer teams.

Sympathies to all of you as you move forward.

Reply

Linda (Arasia)Medina

May 3, 2022 at 11:35 pm

My deepest condolences to Joe’s loved one. He was the kindest teacher I had at Lee High School. May he Rest In Peace

Reply

Howard Jansen

May 5, 2022 at 7:56 am

Harriet, I send condolences and sympathies to you and your family. It was with sadness I read of Joe’ passing yet there are many great memories. Joe had a love for science that was unequaled and his ability to pass that love to his students was a gift. This was especially true at Science Olympiads where Coach Moulder and students spent countless hours preparing. How do you get an egg to drop over 30 feet without it breaking or cracking.

Joe refers to himself as a Rebel. which he was yet I find it amazing how he left us as a Legend. Thank you Joe and God bless.

Reply

Sheldon Knoespel

May 5, 2022 at 5:42 pm

Hello Harriet,,

Becky Murthum shared this sad news with me Monday. I will always remember his willingness to help others, as well as his dedication to you and science. I met him in 1985 at a physics workshop at Oakland University where we shared an interesting escapade with a laser and a Detroit Lion’s car. We shared many teaching stories over the years and worked together on the Science Olympiad Board.

I could go on and on but suffice it to say, Joe was a treasure who was loved by many (but if someone didn’t, they didn’t really know him.

Shalom and may the Lord’s blessings be with you, Sheldon Knoespel

Reply

arlene m sebero

May 7, 2022 at 9:07 pm

SEVENTEEN YEARS ago I sat at the computer after becoming blind in one eye this person JOE MOLANDER said to me can you play pinochle? I SAID to him i havent played for many years but will try. AFTER the first game he said you do wonderful maybe we can be partners. Yahoo was very popular at that time and Joe and I played thousand of games thru the years. Just recently he called me to tell me ARLENE IM waiting to die I cannot play no more. I sent joe a few cards wishing him well and thanking him for the trip HE made to wisconsin to meet me and my husband. NOW IM seeking a new pinochle partner as JOE was the best I ever had may you rest in peace. I WILL MISS YOU. ARLENE

Reply

Tom Johnson

May 13, 2022 at 12:06 am

He was one of the finest teachers in have ever had the pleasure of meeting

Reply

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