Born Sept. 11, 1921 in Wadsworth, Joseph John Klosterman passed away peacefully on Dec. 23, 2013 at age 92 in Sandusky where he was a resident of the Ohio Veterans Home.
Joe is survived by wife, Rosemary (Minich); son, Joseph M. (Jessica) and grandchildren Alexis, Elizabeth, Jordyn, and Kingston; daughter Carolyn (Jin Stearns) and granddaughter Elena; daughter Andrea (Todd Harris) and grandsons Kai, Logan, and Miles; and sister Sophia (Kadar); along with numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Joe was preceded in death by parents Andrew and Susan Klosterman, sisters Katherine (Travis), Susie (Clarkson), and Mary (Slingo) and grandson Nicholas.
Following his graduation from Wadsworth High School, where he was a state wrestling champion, Joe joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Marine Air Group 33 as an aerial photographer stationed in the Pacific Theater. Joe later re-enlisted in the Korean War; when asked why, he responded “because they asked me to.”
Following his graduation from Kent State University, Joe became a reporter, photographer, and columnist for the Wadsworth News Banner. He retired at age 75, then continued to work freelance for several more years. During his 45+ year career, Joe was well-known around Wadsworth for photographing just about everyone and everything in town. He was also well-known for his kindness and generosity – Joe loved growing fruits and vegetables and would often donate his produce to the hungry; he would also donate his time and assistence to anyone in need without hesitation, whether it was family, a friend, or a complete stranger. He was a member of First Christian Church.
Joe was an avid reader and writer and enjoyed a lifetime of gardening, beekeeping, building projects (such as a treehouse and sandbox for his children), and puttering around the house. He will be missed each and every day for the wisdom and joy he brought to those who knew and loved him.
Funeral service will be held Saturday 11 AM at Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman Street in Wadsworth, where the family will receive friends from 10-11 AM. Cremation will follow services. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimers Association.
Hilliard-Rospert
330-334-1501
www.hilliardrospert.com