Celebration of Life to be held September 13

Joel R. Klingler, 49, of Ada, Ohio, passed away on August 12, 2025, at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. He was born on March 11, 1976, in Lima, Ohio, to Ronald D. Klingler and Brenda Brown Stevenson.

Joel graduated from Ada High School with the Class of 1995. Following graduation, he became a truck driver and proudly drove for several companies throughout his career. In 2008, he married Amanda Roeder, and together they shared 25 wonderful years of love and commitment.

Joel is survived by his children, Hailee Roeder, Elizabeth Paige Hopson, and Virgil Walker Klingler, along with the family’s beloved pet, Jasper. He is also survived by his parents, Ron and Anita Klingler, and Don and Brenda Stevenson; his brothers Shane (Heather) Klingler, Daniel (Cassie) Klingler, and Mason (Chloe) Klingler; his sisters Angela (Rob) Roewer and Julie Stevenson; as well as many nieces and nephews who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Virgil and Ethel Klingler; Ed and Mary Brown; Larry and Barb Hopson; and Charles and Iva Stevenson; his aunt and uncles Lewis and Norma Gossard; Steve Brown; and Ken and Marlene McKenzie, along with his beloved dog, Fremont.

Joel was a devoted member of Live Ready Church. He loved his church family and held a deep and abiding faith in the Lord. A lifelong sports fan, Joel rooted passionately for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cleveland Guardians. He loved playing both competitive and recreational softball—a sport that brought him many lasting friendships alongside Amanda. Joel will be remembered for his sharp wit and his ability to light up a room. He was quick with a joke and never failed to make his family smile. His humor, laughter, and heartfelt love for those around him made him a joy to be with. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 13, 2025, at the Ada War Memorial Park, located at the corner of North Park Drive and South Simon Street in Ada, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to War Memorial Park in Joel’s honor. To celebrate his love of sports, the family plans to dedicate a plaque or bench in his memory.