Tribute to Joe Ginter

On the passing of a friend         

By Jim Youngquist

[JAN. 27, 2006]  Knowing that heaven awaits on the other side, I am often driven to fervent prayer on behalf of those I cherish, because I want to keep them with us for but a short while longer.

I found myself thinking these thoughts recently when I was told that my friend Joe Ginter was in the hospital struggling for his life.

The battle was won last weekend when Joe passed from this life into the arms of Christ, who awaited him.

Joe Ginter was one of the most loyal friends I have ever had. If you were Joe's friend, all Joe's other friends knew of your qualities because Joe wasn't shy about publicly praising those he befriended.

For all the time I knew him, he was always a very outgoing and kind person, always lifting up and praising his wife, Mary, his soul mate. On days that I found Joe and Mary together, I always came away recharged because of the strength of their relationship.

Joe was the kind of person who just wanted to lift up your day. He regularly sent out humorous e-mails to a large e-mail list, attempting to keep in touch, attempting to bring a smile and trying to make sure that his friends knew how much he valued them.

Joe was a very colorful character. I really enjoyed the stories he told. He laughed a lot. And he was as honest as the day is long.

His children have testified about the depth of his love, the strength of his spirit and his remarkable devotion.

Joe, thanks for being my friend. I miss you already.

[Jim Youngquist]

[Joseph Ginter obituary]