Joseph L. Roesner

Joseph L. Roesner, age 83, of Toledo, died Saturday, August 16, 2014 at The Toledo Hospital.  He was born November 22, 1930 in Toledo to the late Henry and Marie (Curtiss) Roesner.  Joe married Dolores Dee Dominguez on May 21, 1955 at Immaculate Conception Church. Joe is survived by his wife, Dolores, and his children, Michael (Sharon) Roesner, Whitehouse; daughter, Sharon (Dr. Thomas) Tafelski, Waterville; grandchildren, Mike Roesner, Colleen Roesner, Courtney (Brannan) Sniadecki; great granddaughter, Remington Rae Sniadecki; brothers, Paul (Kathleen) Roesner, Toledo and Mark (Virginia) Roesner, Australia; sister, Rita Ann (Dr. Tony) Zito, College Park, MD; nieces and nephews, Dr. Rebecca Roesner (Dr. Greg Pouch), Illinois, Dr. Anthony Zito (Dr. Alison Dunn), UK, David Roesner, Columbus, OH and Daniel (Elise) Roesner, Australia; and feline friend, Mitts.  Joe was also preceded in death by brother, Hank Roesner and sister, Sr. (Mary Catherine) Christelle, SND. Joe was a veteran of the United States Army, achieving rank of Staff Sergeant during the Korean War.  One of his favorite pastimes was reminiscing and kidding with his Army buddies about their experiences. After business school, Joe followed his father into the lumber business. In his lifetime, he likely supplied more lumber and building supplies in the NW Ohio and SE Michigan area than just about anyone else.  He began his career at Phoenix Lumber under the direction of his father and continued his career working with several local lumberyards. Joe liked to tell people that he supplied the lumber and supplies for the homes of Coaches Pinkel and Saban when they led the Toledo Rockets.  He retired from Wickes Lumber at the age of 75. Joes love of lumber made him a natural when it came to crafting bookcases, side tables, train tables and even a patio addition and garage for his home.  He often built small, custom desks, toy boxes and painting easels for his young nieces, nephews and children of friends.  When his second grade daughter unknowingly volunteered him, Joe built four top-notch rabbit hutches that the Sisters of Notre Dame used to give away bunnies won at their Summer Fair. Beyond vast knowledge and experience in the home building area, Joe was a Master Locksmith.  Builders sought him out, even after his retirement, to help them install or re-key locks.  Joe was not simply focused on the sales aspect of the building trade.  He gladly took the time to share his knowledge with the younger guys entering the field.  Even today, there are carpenters and tradesmen who remember Joe and remark about how much he knew. Joe was an avid, life-long Notre Dame football fan.  His prized possessions included signed photographs and letters from Coach Lou Holtz and Coach Brian Kelly.  Antique and specialty cars were one of Joes great interests.  He enjoyed the Auburn Indiana Car Show that he attended annually with his son.  More recently, he and his son attended local car shows that featured similar cars of interest.  Joe also enjoyed spending time working in his vegetable garden. Joe will be remembered as a gentle and kind man who always put his family and friends first.  He will be deeply missed. Friends are invited to visit on Thursday from 2-9 p.m. in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. followed by a sharing of memories.  Services will begin with prayers in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m., Friday, August 22, 2014 and proceed to Christ the King Catholic Church, 4100 Harvest Lane, Toledo, for 10:00 a.m. funeral Mass.  Military honors and committal services will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Memorials are suggested to Christ the King Church or St. Francis de Sales High School. Online condolences can be expressed at walkerfuneralhomes.com.