Rev. Harold L. Minkler
3 MIN. READ
Rev. Harold L. Minkler ’52, ’55, age 91, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 10, 2021. Harold was born in 1930 in Alhambra, California, to George and Rhoda Minkler. He graduated from Franklin High School in Los Angeles, attended Pasadena College, Anderson College (University), and the Anderson College School of Theology.
After retirement, Harold was active in both Whatcom and Skagit Hospice. Harold and his wife Gwen attended Cornwall Park Church of God, Birchwood Presbyterian Church, and First Congregational Church. In recent years he served as an interim pastor for numerous churches around Whatcom County.
Harold grew up in Highland Park, Los Angeles, with two older sisters at home during The Great Depression. He had a happy childhood with family and friends in the neighborhood. He raised rabbits as a boy in the backyard to help with the family finances. It was a full house during the War with sisters and cousins moving in, as husbands were off to war. It was a demanding time for a growing teenager.
Harold’s life changed completely when he became a Christian at seventeen. After graduating from Anderson College, he was accepted to the School of Theology. This is where Harold started dating Gwen, who became his wife of 67 years. Harold then felt called to pastor an exciting new church in Coalinga, California. Randy and Scott were born during this time. After a few years there, Harold’s family moved on to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, again making many lifelong friends. Cindy was born during that time.
Then the family moved on to Kalamazoo, Michigan, for 10 years. Harold’s children had the majority of their childhood there. Harold and Gwen enjoyed another energetic, dynamic, and active congregation, both heavily involved in every aspect of the church.
In Kalamazoo, Harold was also dedicated to visiting folks in the hospital, and other people in need. While pastoring in Michigan, Harold went on mission trips to Panama and Haiti to help build a clinic and improve conditions for the local people.
After being a minister for 20 years, Harold felt called to pursue a career as a hospital chaplain. After training, he accepted an appointment as chaplain in Bellingham, Washington. While at St. Luke’s, he worked with EMTs and law enforcement to help start a trauma support program. Harold moved on to St. Joseph Hospital where he retired after a 20-year chaplain career.
Harold was instrumental in forming Hospice of Whatcom County. He was involved with cancer relief programs, teen suicide prevention, the Adult Day Health Program for seniors, The United Way, and many other support service groups.
In retirement, Harold and Gwen were able to enjoy trips to Turkey and Italy to experience some biblical highlights, and also to Germany with friends from past congregations.
Harold loved God. He loved Gwen and his family without fail. He was dedicated to spiritual guidance in the community. He was often called upon to provide hope, answers, or just a friendly ear. He would always respond with a caring and compassionate heart. The world has been richer for having found comfort and guidance he offered.
Harold was preceded in death by his sisters Opal and Esther. He is survived by his loving wife Gwen, three children, Randy Minkler, Scott Minkler (Carole Scanes), and Cindy Minkler, and several nieces and nephews.
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.