Josef Albert Lederle

Josef Albert Lederle, 88, (aka Joe and Opa), long time resident of Arlington, VA, died on July 25, 2023 after a reoccurrence of bladder cancer. Born in Germany to Pauline and Georg Lederle on February 28, 1935, Joe spent his early years growing up on a farm in the foothills of the Alps in war-time Germany. After completing his education as an ornamental plasterer and working several years in Germany, he emigrated to the United States in his mid-twenties and worked in the construction field for several years. Joe ultimately changed careers and was a computer programmer with the federal government for 30+ years. Joe was an enthusiastic and talented outdoorsman, who excelled at kayaking, skiing, hiking, biking, and canoeing, especially if it involved endurance. Over the years he avidly participated in 5 wilderness canoe trips to the Northwest Territories, many marathons and several ultramarathons, as well as numerous long distance bike trips, culminating in a solo 1,000 mile bike trip in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon. After retiring in 2003, Joe fulfilled a life-long dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, some 2,000+ miles from Georgia to Maine. He was a life-long member of the Washington Canoe Club and the Canoe Cruisers Association. Joe was a wonderful person with a big heart, a twinkle in his eyes and an innate sense of duty to his fellow human beings and his community. A friend and neighbor once gave Joe a sweatshirt, which perfectly encapsuled his character, saying, “When the going gets tough, the tough call on Joe.” Always positive with a “can do” attitude, he always made you feel that everything would be “just fine”. Also known as “Mr. Fix It”, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t repair, or build. He was always generous in sharing his time and talents to help others with their projects and needs. Joe and Ruth (Williamson) were married on July 27, 1974 and spent 48+ wonderful years together. Their only child, Joanna (Lederle) St Jacques is married and lives in Glen Allen, VA with her husband (Stephen) and their three children (Drew, Colin and Justin). These grandsons were the joy of Joe’s existence, and he loved spoiling them with special treats of candy whenever they visited. Joe has two remaining siblings, both living in Germany, Adalberta Klemmer and Toni Lederle. In July 2018 there was a great Lederle family reunion in Wiggensbach, Germany,when Joe, Ruth and the St Jacques went back to Joe’s home territory, so that his grandsons could see where he had grown up and lived until he was a young man. He has numerous nieces and nephews living in both Germany and the United States. Joe will be sorely missed by his family and friends, but we take comfort in remembering him and the many, wonderful years we shared life together.