John Minnich

John H. “Goober” Minnich, age 78, a lifelong Bryant resident passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at his residence after an extended battle with cancer.

He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on Oct. 5, 1945, the son of Florian and Philomena (Welsch) Minnich. He was married on July 21, 1990, to Tina Rowles who survives. He was a graduate of Bryant High School and retired from Portland Forge in 2011 after 43 years.

John enjoyed car shows and was a charter member of the Arch Bridge Kroozers. He enjoyed car shows, fishing, NASCAR, Indiana University basketball, wrestling and collecting coins.

Surviving are his wife Tina; two children, Carrie Minnich and Matthew Gierhart (wife: Tammy), both from Bryant; six grandchildren, Johnathon (wife: Clarissa), Jasmine, Keeley, Makayla, Raydon and Ronan; and one sister, Rose Mary Gregory (husband: Bob) of Indianapolis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother Thomas Minnich.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 14, at 3 p.m. in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Charles Myers presiding. Burial will follow in the Center Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Memorials can be made to the Bryant Community Center.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.