Almond (PaPa) Hover Mindt

Published 4:16 pm Sunday, June 4, 2017

1929 – 2017

Dedicated husband, beloved Dad and PaPa, exceptional businessman, and active sportsman. No better words describe Almond (Al) Hover Mindt, born on April 19th, 1929, in Wishek, North Dakota, to Emma (Lutz) and Almond Mindt, Sr. After Al, Sr. passed away, Andy K. Hanson became a loving stepfather and grandpa.

Al married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Hattie Carpenter, on June 4th, 1948, in Lake Oswego, where they raised three daughters and two sons. Their marriage was a pure display of love and dedication. Even after 64 years of marriage, they could be seen holding hands, exchanging loving glances, and sharing heartfelt gifts.

Al always put his Dad and PaPa responsibilities first. Whether it was taking his family camping, teaching them to waterski, crabbing on the Oregon coast, cheering at sporting events, or playing a game of marbles, he cherished the time with his children, 16 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. His commitment to family was never more evident than when after beating colon cancer, he sold his successful Green-Mindt Market business to spend time with his loving wife and growing family. In addition, Al was a compassionate son, remarkable brother, and loyal friend.

After losing his father at a very young age, Al quickly put his astute business skills to work. Even before reaching his teenage years, he worked in a bakery, sold newspapers, and did any other odd jobs he could convince people they needed, even earning extra money by racking pool balls in the local pool hall. Al graduated from West Linn High School in 1947, where he was the football team quarterback and a member of the basketball team. He worked for a variety of companies, including an auto dealership, sawmill, and wholesale food distributor. In 1972, Al’s entrepreneurial spirit resulted in him moving his family to Bend, Oregon, to open the Green-Mindt Market. Al’s strong business acumen and passion for customer service drove the market’s extraordinary success and reputation as the “friendliest market in town.”

He enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, crabbing, camping, skiing, and motor homing. He also enjoyed regular family gatherings in Reno and supporting his beloved Oregon State Beavers. Both Al and Hattie were active members of the New Hope Church in Bend, where they taught children’s Sunday school.

Al most recently lived in Eugene, Oregon. He passed away peacefully on March 7th, 2017, surrounded by the love of his children and grandchildren. A Celebration of Life is being planned for 1:00 pm, on Saturday, June 10th, at New Hope Church, 20080 Pinebrook Boulevard in Bend, with Pastor Randy Meyers officiating.

Al is preceded in death by his wife, Hattie; and survived by daughter, Becky (Dave) Strickland of Eugene; daughter, Connie (Larry) Hancock of Bend; son, Steve (Cindy) Mindt of La Selva Beach, California; daughter, Joanie (Jon) Valley of Bend; and son, Ken (Julie) Mindt of Wichita, Kansas. Al is also predeceased by his parents; brother, Donald Mindt; sister, June Raines; and granddaughter, Anna Marie Mindt.

Almond’s family wishes to thank the compassionate caregivers of Signature Home Care in Eugene for their dedication and love for our father. A plaque memorializing Al and Hattie’s contributions to Bend is being added to the Old Mill District Memorial Walk. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Almond Mindt’s name to the New Hope Youth Ministries program or any youth sports program of your choice. Please sign the guestbook at Musgroves.com.