Wilbur "Willie" Joost

Wilbur "Willie" Joost, age 89, of Napoleon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at the Defiance CHP Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born on the family farm in Okolona on Nov. 30, 1935, to the late Alvin and Emilie (Behnfeldt) Joost.

Willie was a graduate of Jewell High School and enlisted in the United States Army. On Jan. 17, 1958, he married Irene (Rohrs) Joost at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Parsonage.

A lifelong farmer, Willie also worked at Gerald Grain Center for more than 40 years. He was a devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church, Freedom Township, where he faithfully served as a Deacon and Trustee.

He is survived by his loving wife, Irene; children, Randy (Rachel) Joost, Renee (Tim) Hodson, and Donna Joost; son-in-law, Tim Eberle; grandchildren, Melanie, Kacie, and LeAnn; great-grandchildren, Brynlee and Oaklynn; and a sister, Connie (Art) Roehrig.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandy Eberle; and his sister, Marian (Ken) Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church, Freedom Township. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2-7 p.m. at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon, and on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Freedom Township, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.rodenbergergray.com.