Joe was born on a farm near Estevan, Saskatchewan on January 26, 1930. He moved at an early age to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where he was raised by Matthew (Max) Kloeble and Ida (Haslinger) Kloeble. He was the eldest son, with two brothers, Walter and Edward. He grew up on Ave. D, playing with neighbourhood kids, watching matinees at the Roxy for 5 cents, and attending St. Mary’s Catholic School.
Along with his mischievous side, Joe had a very strong work ethic. He began working at a young age, sweeping floors at a family friend's carpentry shop. Before completing High School, he began his first full time job with the CP Rail at the age of 17. During this time, he met Oma Holmer while she was attending Grade 12 in Saskatoon. They kept in touch when she moved to Prince Albert to attend business college. Oma invited Joe to a Christmas dance in November 1951 at CKBI where Oma worked. After many letters and visits they wed on September 1, 1952.
They were happily married for 68 years. Derek was born in 1955 while they still lived on the upper floor of Joe’s parent’s home. Joe, along with his friend Paul Rendek, built their first home on Ave. Q. The two-bedroom home eventually welcomed Barry in 1957, Joanne in 1960 and Janet in 1962.
Joe studied bookkeeping at Tech College, then started a 30-year career at Empire Meats which was a family owned business. Joe took on the financial responsibilities of the company including doing the payroll for over 50 employees and ensuring the company’s financial stability. He made countless friends through his work and was known as a fair, kind boss and businessman.
In 1968, Joe and Oma moved to Sparling Crescent, and it was here where they made many lifelong friendships. Joe was an active community member, volunteering for many worthy causes.
Joe, Oma and family began attending Holy Spirit Parish before the church was built, when mass took place in Holy Cross H.S. gymnasium. Not long after, Joe joined the church choir as a much-needed tenor. He sang in the choir until he could no longer attend mass at age 95. Many parishioners remember his beautiful voice.
Joe LOVED to sing and dance! He and Oma hosted many parties at 53 Sparling with lots of fun, lasting into the wee hours! Joe was known as a great dancer and absolutely loved any chance to celebrate with family and friends.
After retirement, Joe sang in the Knights of Columbus Choir and ‘Young at Heart’, a group of close friends, cheering up seniors throughout the city. Joe often sang his famous Louis Armstrong rendition of ‘Blueberry Hill’ and ‘What A Wonderful World’, to the delight of many. He took up tennis, playing until the age of 92!
Joe and Oma enjoyed 12 years at Silverleaf Condos, where they made wonderful friends.
Joe and Oma loved to travel. They enjoyed a memorable trip to Las Vegas to see Elvis, jaunts to Hawaii, Mexico and Europe, winters in Palm Springs, and yearly trips to visit their daughters and families in Ontario. Their most loved destination was Fairmont, B.C, where they travelled to every summer for 40 years, welcoming family and enjoying the beauty.
Joe’s last big trip was at the age of 93. While in Niagara Falls, he noticed a zip line and said, ‘Wow, that looks like fun. I’d love to do that!’. That pretty much tells you the spirit of Joe, always open to new things, exploring and having fun!
Joe lived a good life. A positive, social man, Joe could engage anyone in conversation and friendship. Everyone who was lucky enough to have known him was happier because of it. We are so blessed and grateful.
Joe is dearly missed by his children, Derek (Shirley), Barry (Lisa), Joanne (Graham) and Janet (Glen), his brothers-in-law Charlie Holmer and Barry McCauley, his sisters-in law, Jean Kloeble, Barbara Kloeble and Ursula Casey, his grandchildren, Candice, Karla, Drew, Josh, Tanner, Jesse, Phil, Élix, Kat, Jen, Amelia and Ronan, as well as many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Max and Ida, his beloved wife Oma, his brothers Wally and Ed, brother-in-law John Casey, sisters-in-law Ruth McCauley (Holmer) and Rita Holmer, and granddaughter Emma Kerr.
Donations to a charity of the Donors choice would be appreciated by the family.
Prayer Service Friday September 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday September 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Holy Spirit Parish (114 Kingsmere Place, Saskatoon). For those unable to attend the Mass you are invited to join the livestream via https://youtube.com/live/z8LJA-HzD1E?feature=share
