Joseph Harold "Joe" LOEFFLER

LOEFFLER Joseph "Joe" Harold Joseph "Joe" Harold Loeffler, 49, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed away peacefully with his family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, January 30, 2011. Joe was born on March 8, 1961 in Montpelier, Ohio to Harold (deceased) and Mary Loeffler. He graduated from Otsego High School in 1978. He earned a Bachelor's of Arts Degree from the University of Toledo in 1984 and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Toledo, College of Law in 1987. After a brief period working for a local law firm, his passion for social justice lead him to service as a Public Defender for Toledo Municipal Court, where he earlier served as an intern as a law student. Joe spent the majority of his career in this role. He also took great pride in serving as a mentor for numerous interns and personally took many under his wing. Joe's goals were never about money but instead "justice for all." With both his love of travel and his interest in international trade he traveled extensively to places such as China, Singapore, multiple trips to Europe, Jamaica, Mexico, and all over the United States. He was politically active with the Democratic Party and involved in several local and national elections. He felt strongly that all deserve legal representation and a voice. He took seriously his role in representing the underserved, the unjustly accused, and those whose due process of law was denied. He had a great love of the outdoors enjoying fishing, skiing and boating on the Maumee River and Lake Erie and snow skiing out West. Joe had a love of life that can not be expressed in words. He married the love of his life and best friend, Gayle Ashbridge on October 13, 1995. They shared a special love that sustained them through every challenge they faced. He is survived by not only his loving wife Gayle, but also his mother, Mary Loeffler; his sisters, Molly (Doug) Scott, Laurie (Tom) Ryan, and brother, John (Sarah) Loeffler. He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews; mother-in-law Patricia Ashbridge; sisters-in-law, Tami and Lori Ashbridge, as well as countless friends. Tributes can be made to Project Iam, 3818 Frampton, Toledo, Ohio 43614 (An organization for Autism) or to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 East River Rd, Perrysburg, OH 43551. Memorial Services will be held at Reeb Funeral Home, 5712 N. Main St. Sylvania, OH, Saturday February 5th at 3:00 p.m., where family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior. Following the service, per Joe's request friends and family are welcome to adjourn to the Bier Stube, 5333 Monroe Street, Toledo, Ohio. Those wishing to share a memory of Joe or offer a condolence to his family may do so at www.reebfuneralhome.com