His devotion to his family and firm belief in God supported him in his struggles and ultimately gave him peace. Joe was born to the late Martin and Magdalen Klenda, a farmer and a homemaker respectively, in Hillsboro, Kansas on August 20, 1941.
Joe was blessed with a large and loving family. From the very beginning, Joe instilled in his family an unwavering belief in God, alongside his strong Catholic faith. He married the love of his life, Jacqualin Joleen Stroda, on July 20, 1963 in Hope, Kansas.
Joe worked his whole life as a farmer and retired after 40 years as a chemical worker at Vulcan Chemicals. When Joe wasn’t working, he dedicated his time, for over 24 years, coaching and cheering on his daughters’ softball teams. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. Joe was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a Vietnam era Veteran, serving in the United States Air Force.
Joe served 27 years as the financial secretary and negotiator for International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union 119, as well as 4 years on the Board of Directors for Vulcan Chemicals Credit Union. His love of softball led him to serve as Vice President and then on to Division Manager of TRYC, claiming 4 State Championships while coaching his daughter’s various softball teams.
Joe is survived by his daughters and husbands: Kim and Mike Fry, Joleen Klenda and Scott Bakel, Shanna and Glenn Wood, Janelle and John Gutierrez, 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Dr. Martin and Frances Klenda, Ben and MaryLou Klenda, MaryJo and Dr. Dennis Dlabal, Sharon Hatfield, Pat Klenda, Mark Klenda, John and Pam Klenda, Mike and Janiece Klenda, and Susie and Joe Ragole.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie; brothers, David and Tom; and his parents.
There will be a come and go viewing with family not present, Friday May 9, 2025 from 12 pm to 2 pm. at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.
There will be a Rosary at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 10, followed by a funeral mass at 1:30 pm, both at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 2007 Arkansas Ave., Wichita, KS 67203.
