Lt. Col. Dennis Erwin Minder

A 41 year resident of Southlake, Texas, Dennis Erwin Minder, 77, passed away July 24, 2025, after an acute illness. Dennis was born April 30, 1948, to Lydia and Erwin Minder, who immigrated from Switzerland. He was raised in Brooklyn and Brewster New York as well as in his beloved Switzerland. A graduate of Fort Hamilton High School, he then attended the Western Connecticut State University, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Biology.

He married the love of his life, Pattie Frances Jernigan, on July 11, 1975, at Langley Air Force Base. He served as a pilot in the United States Air Force during both the Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm/Shield Wars.

After serving his country for 25 years he retired as a lieutenant colonel. He was a Captain for Southwest Airlines, a job he treasured. After 36 years he retired from Southwest Airlines in 2013. In retirement, he enjoyed snow skiing with his children and grandchildren, traveling with his family, taking care of his chickens, attending pilots luncheons, spending time with Pattie, and being a wonderful grandfather to his seven grandchildren.

Survivors: His wife of 50 years, Pattie Jernigan Minder; daughter and son-in-law, Nicole and Stephen Seidel of Keller; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Becky Minder of Fort Worth, and Jonathan and Karin Minder of Southlake; grandchildren, William, Olivia, Mary Katherine, Anna, Jack, Adam, and Matthew; brother, Alex Minder; brothers and sisters-in law, cousins, nieces and nephews whom he adored; and countless other family and friends who loved him dearly.

A visitation for Dennis will be held Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville Boulevard, Colleyville, Texas 76034. Funeral service will be Friday, August 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM at White's Chapel Methodist Church, 185 S White Chapel Blvd, Southlake, TX 76092. Graveside will be Friday, August 15, 2025 at 1:15 PM at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.