Joseph Kleiner, born on February 25, 1937, in Slatinik, Yugoslavia, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026, at Woodingford Lodge, Woodstock in his 90th year.

In the aftermath of WWII, he journeyed with his family from their homeland to Canada in 1953 with the hope and promise of a more stable and rewarding life. Steady work provided him with the foundation to start a family of his own.

Joseph met his beloved wife, Theresia Kleiner (nee Gross), in Delhi, Ontario, and together they settled in Woodstock. Their partnership was a cornerstone of his life until her passing in 2016, a loss deeply felt by all who knew them. Joseph’s work life was distinguished by his time at PreCon, where he expertly operated a full gantry crane, a role he fulfilled with dedication and skill.

His legacy is carried forward by his children Gerald (Barb, who also passed earlier this year) Kleiner, David Kleiner, and Joann (Joe) Brnjas. His love extended warmly to his grandchildren: Jerry (Mary Beth), Lindsay (Justin), Michelle (Wes), Christopher (Martina), Jessica (Alex), and Samantha, who passed in 2009. He also cherished the step-grandfather role to Jennifer and Stephanie, who passed in 2023, (Andrew).

The family was further blessed with the presence of great-grandchildren: Owen, Seth, Nevin, Isaiah, Silas, Henry, Sloane, Sonny, Kennedy, Koston, and Connor. Each one of them planted a sparkle in his eyes.

Joseph was preceded in death by siblings Adam (Alina), Tony (Hilda), Kathie Scheikl (late Karl), Annie Potz (Matt). He is survived by Theresa Huck (late Josef), John (Irma). He cherished his many nieces, nephews and treasured relatives of the Gross Family.

‘Joe’ always had a special smile and wink for his caregivers at Woodingford Lodge and his family extends a heartfelt thank you for their compassion.

All those who knew Joseph are invited to join the family at Brock and Visser Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock (519-539-0004) on Sunday, May 3, 2026 from 12 to 1:30 pm. The funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel at 1:30 pm.