Joseph William Mekker

JOSEPH WILLIAM MEKKER age 96, beloved husband for 69 years of the late Dorothy Mekker (nee Koenig); loving father of Dorothy M. Bauer (husband William), Joseph H. Mekker, Donna M. Lloyd (husband Brian) and David Mekker (wife Catherine, nee Eckert); devoted grandfather of William Bauer Jr. (wife Jessica), Michael Bauer (wife Janet), Justin Bauer (wife Kathy), Brett Baldwin, Nicholas Baldwin (wife Jessica), Michaela Mekker and great-grandfather of Sophie, Evelyn, William III, Madelyn, Matthew and Henry; cherished son of the late Joseph and Mary (nee Toth); Dearest brother of Frank Mekker (wife Judy, deceased), Mary Lee Ryan (husband Ron), James Mekker (wife Patricia), and the late Elmer Mekker (wife Irene, deceased); Dear uncle and great-uncle of many. U.S. Army Veteran.

Joe was born on September 2, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Benedictine High School. When in High School, he boxed for the Cleveland Golden Goves Club. His brother Frank and mother would go and watch the matches. Frank said Joe was a very tough boxer. He served in the Army branch of the military during the Korean War.

Joe and Dorothy built their home in Chesterland in 1978. Literally built the house. They were members of St Anselm Church from 1978, until Joe entered Assisted Living at Governors Village to be close to his wife.

Joe was involved with the SMA Club and the EOUV Club. He was on the crew that built the EOUV Club.

Of the many places Joe worked, his favorite was Fischer Body on Coit Rd. The people who worked there were like his second family. He was a tool and dye welder and the best they had! He loved cars! He loved driving fast! He could tell you the make, model, and year of most cars on the road. He enjoyed making small furniture and knickknacks. He made the Credence Table that St. Anselm still uses, and wooden trays for the ciboria. He also made metal motion stick figures. He was a very creative person. He worked on the family vehicles incessantly. His BBQ was excellent because he timed the grilling with his wristwatch. He loved to travel with his wife by his side and dance with her in his arms. He had to coax his wife to go camping which the family ended up loving! Water skiing and playing pinocle were two favorites. He looked forward to Fink and Mekker reunions and picnics in the back yard with his father cooking the greasy bread. He made holidays special with his outdoor decorations. He loved his dog Missy! You may look out your window to find him and his wife sleeping in your driveway after one of their many long car rides blasting their polkas. He taught his children their math facts and taught his grandsons their times tables. He took great care of his children when they were ill. He was very devoted to the whole family, especially his cherished wife. He had a smile that could melt any gal's heart. His wife Dorothy could not defend against it and fell for him hook, line and sinker. He and Dorothy had been married for 69 years. Joe passed away on June 7, 2026. He was the life of the party down here and will be the life of the party in heaven.

Contributions suggested in memory of Joe to Wounded Warrior Project. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, June 11, 2026 at St. Anselm Catholic Church at 10 AM. Entombment following with Military Honors at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Joe at DEJOHN FUNERAL HOMES & CELEBRATIONS CENTER of CHESTERLAND, 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) WEDNESDAY 4-8 PM.