Joseph Paul Leitner, 59, of Bluffton, passed away on Wednesday morning, Sept. 10, 2025, at his residence.
Joe was born on March 23, 1966, in Bluffton to Joseph John and Carol Joan (Musselman) Leitner. He graduated from Bluffton High School in 1984. He owned and operated First Place Hobbies in Bluffton and for the last 15 years he worked at Bi-County Services as a consumer advocate. Joe’s greatest joy was his children. He loved spending time with them and sharing pictures and stories about them. He also enjoyed drawing, trips to the state park and gathering family around a campfire.
He is survived by his children, Travis, Makenna and Molly Leitner and beloved boxer, Roxy, all of Bluffton; and his siblings, Debbie Leitner of Fort Wayne, Lisa (Steve) Bye of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Valerie Leitner of Greenfield, Indiana, Kim (Steve) Weachock of Columbia City and Chuck Leitner of Fort Wayne; along with aunts, Judy Canady and Becky Musselman; uncle, Merlin Lemke; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home. Private family burial will take place at a later date at Elm Grove Cemetery.
Memorials to assist his children can be made payable to Chuck Leitner.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends may share online condolences with the family at www.thomarich.com.