Joseph M. Lehner, 58, of Cleveland, OH and formerly of South Bend, died Monday, May 23, 2011 in Cleveland. The South Bend native was born January 11, 1953, was a member of the Class of 1972 at St. Joseph High School, graduated from Holy Cross College and began a lifelong career in social work, beginning with service in VISTA, then as a program director at work-release homes in South Bend before accepting a position in Cleveland with the Jesuit Volunteers and then as Director of Whitman House. Joe was currently employed as the Youth Outdoors Program Coordinator for Cleveland Metroparks. Survivors include his parents, Joseph J. & Genevieve Lehner of Mishawaka; his brother, Larry Lehner of Long Beach, CA; his sister, Mary (Kim) Lehner Gamble of Mishawaka and Joe''s close friend, Jane Shick of Cleveland. Mass of Christian Resurrection 11:00 Friday May 27, 2011 in Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4508 Vistula Road, where friends may call ½ hour before Mass. Calling also 4-8pm Thursday at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy, with a Vigil Service at 4:00pm. Private entombment in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park.

An Openhouse celebrating Joe's life will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2011 from 2-5pm at the Cleveland Metroparks CanalWay Visitor Center, 4524 East 49th St, Cuyahoga Heights, Ohio. At 7:00pm, a Memorial Prayer Service followed by a reception is scheduled at St. Patrick Parish, 3602 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland.

The family''s preferred memorials are Cleveland Metroparks, Youth Outdoors, c/o Karen Kannenberg, Donor Development, 4101 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44144 or Cleveland Catholic Worker Community, 3601 Whitman Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113. Cards may be sent to Joe's sister, Mary Lehner Gamble. Please click on the 'Mail a Sympathy Card' box , located top-right, for additional information.