Joel R. Kleckner Sr., 80, of Emmaus, died March 18, 2019, in St. Luke’s Hospice House, Bethlehem. He was the devoted husband of the late MaryEllen (Brown) Kleckner with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. Born in Summit Hill, he was the son of Joel and Helen Kleckner.

He honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps stationed in California, Japan and the Philippines.

He had a long career as a telephone lineman/foreman at the Emmaus Telephone Company which merged with several other phone companies throughout his 30 year career. He returned to work as a lineman for Orlando Diefenderfer Electrical Contractors, Allentown.

He was a devoted 50-plus year member of The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Emmaus.

He rescued and cared for several dachshunds over his lifetime. He loved his vegetable garden, making jewelry and stained glass. He was involved with his sons’ Boy Scout Troop for several years.

He will be missed by his relatives, friends, co-workers and especially his McDonald’s breakfast group.

He is survived by his children, Joel Jr. and his wife, Sandra and their son Joel; Jon and his wife, Debra and their son, Brandon and daughter, Ashley; Jason and his wife, Kristine and their daughter, Kayla and son, Jason II; daughter Joellen and her husband, Stephen Rooney and sons Stephen and Ryan; sister-in-laws, Mary Ellen, and Emma “Kitty” Vlcek; brother-in-laws, Richard Brown and Alan Miller. He was predeceased by a brother, Wallace.

Contributions may be made to The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit or to the Sanctuary at Haafsville, c/o the funeral home. Arrangements were made by the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., 250 Main St., Emmaus, 18049.