Her parents were born in Ohio.

In 1900 Joseph lived in North Ridgeville, Lorain County, Ohio with his parents and siblings. In 1910 Joseph lived in North Ridgeville with his mother Gertrude, his brothers Matthias and Fred, and Matthias’ daughter Winifred. In 1920 he lived in North Ridgeville with his wife Julia and daughter Catherine G. Minnich. The 1920 census reported that his father was born in Ohio and his mother was born in Germany. In 1930 he lived with Julia and their five children in North Ridgeville. His brother Matthias Minnich and Matthias’ wife Thecla lived next door. His aunt Katharine Minnich Myers and her son John lived nearby. In 1940 he and his wife and five children lived in North Ridgeville.