Toledo Free Press

The One and Only

Joseph “Joe” Gleason Jr., 73, of Perrysburg, died peacefully April 20, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born January 18, 1951 in Toledo, Ohio to Joseph H. and Virginia (Williams) Gleason, Sr. He proudly served our country in the United States Army from 1970-1973. After completing training at Fort Campbell, KY and Fort Lee, VA, he received orders for Vietnam and would be leaving from Seattle, WA. However, when he arrived for transport he was told he was watching the last plane full of our men takeoff for Vietnam. Joe was reassigned to Berlin Germany where Jeanette “Jen” Warner of Toledo joined him and they were married on Friday, October 13, 1972. Sharing 51 years together, he thanked God for her (his best friend) every day.

Joe earned both his Associate in Engineering and Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude from the University of Toledo attending full-time while working full-time as well. His career at Surface Combustion Inc. spanned 31 years, beginning as a Draftsman and retiring as a suit in Purchasing.

He was a member of St. John XXIII Catholic Church, the Catholic Veterans, Northwood VFW, and former member of South Shore Cruising Club. Joe enjoyed traveling, boating, fishing, muscle cars, airplanes and was fascinated by space exploration. He would have chosen to go on that spaceship in the movie “Cocoon” or any spaceship. He was happiest while grilling and smoking delicious meals, working in his yard, floating in the pool and going on ice cream adventures with Jen.

Joe dearly loved his family. Along with his wife, Jeanette (Warner) Gleason, Joe is survived by his daughters Sara (Grant) Wilgus of Marietta GA, Stacy (Rob) Garcia of Columbus OH, Joanna Gleason of Perrysburg and his brother James (Lisa) Gleason of Holland OH. His grandchildren Alex, Luci and Josie loved and adored their Papa Joe. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends and family will be received Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 4-8 p.m.at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg (419-874-3133). A graveside service, with military honors, will be held Friday, April 26, 2024 at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park, 4210 Central Ave, Toledo, OH 43606 at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow. Those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so in Joe’s name to: The Fisher House at the Ann Arbor Veterans Hospital (2215 Fuller Court Mail: Box 130466, Ann Arbor, MI 48105). Messages of condolences and support may be left for the family by visiting www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.