Joel J. Hach

Joel Jay Hach, 74, of Goshen, died Monday morning, August 12, 2013, at The Maples at Waterford Crossing. Joel was born March 5, 1939 in Saginaw Michigan, to Floyd and Myrtle (Teck) Hach. He grew up in Midland, Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University in 1962. He married Carolyn K. Hartz Sept. 16, 1961 in Bay City, Mich. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, along with three children, Dave (Liz) Hach of Sachse, Texas, Steve (Mary) Hach of Carmel and Jennifer (Nick) Panich of Indianapolis; and four grandchildren he adored, Alexandra Hach, Aaron Hach, Maeve Panich and Emily Hach. He was preceded in death by his parents. Joel moved to Goshen in 1962 where he was employed the Elkhart County Planning Commission. He retired in 2004 from Modern Education Systems after 28 years as a cartographer. He sang with the original Menno Singers and later Men of Music under the direction of the late Walt Stutsman. While singing with Men of Music they cut a record "Once More With Joy". A member of First United Methodist Church, he was active in his church choir and was dedicated to performing in the Easter cantatas. Joel sang in the "Four Fathers" quartet and enjoyed traveling with Carolyn to immerse himself in music he loved at the International Barbershop competitions. He was a member of Goshen Masonic Lodge. Joel's love, passion and devotion to God, his wife, family, animals, especially cats, music and gardening were evident throughout his lifetime. All those who knew him were comforted by his humble, gentle, kind, giving and loving nature. His actions spoke louder than words. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2013 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, where an 11:30 a.m. Friday, August 16, 2013, funeral will be held. Pastor Ed Fritz of First United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Violett Cemetery, Goshen. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church Music Ministry or Riley's Children's Hospital.