Joshua Adam Lehnerz

On May 31, 1980, Joshua Adam Lehnerz came into the world staring as the biggest, little brother.  That would continue to define his life. Known to most of us as Josh or Joshy. During his life, Josh adventured with his 8 brothers and sisters, and many others, that took him to many places. From the Saskatchewan plains to the rural Montana foothills, the rugged British Columbia peaks and the vast Florida Ocean. There was never a shortage of discovery and trouble. His spirit for adventure was inspired by his father and his kindness, cultivated by his mother.

The adventure portion of his childhood sparked into an ember that would never be extinguished. There was never a road too far, an experience too big, or a horizon that was unattainable. We were all able to experience Josh in his element and in those moments. We all have a story that we will hold dear to our hearts, some that will make us laugh until we cry.

Josh had the most gentle of souls that lent his strength and influence to those around him when they couldn’t advocate for themselves. Often Josh’s focus and care for others drew so deeply from the well of his life that he rarely was able to care for himself.

In Josh’s own words:

“Allow no harm

Do no harm

Help where you can

Be truthful

Be honest

Protect yourself”

Josh’s proudest adventure and accomplishment is the birth and life of his son. He was Josh’s purpose and his reason. Like Josh had hoped for, his son is all the beautiful things that Josh was in life.

One of Josh’s most challenging quests was the demons he fought within himself, on September 5, 2022, he lost the battle with them. We all mourn for the healing that Josh will never be able to experience. We regret the memories that we will go on creating without him. We will miss his presence and the time that we will not be able to spend with him. We will continue to be grateful for the gift of having him in our lives, despite it ending too soon.

Joshua Adam Lehnerz was preceded in death by his loving grandparents, Robert and Barbara Lehnerz and Jacob and Shirley Kress; great-grandparents; as well as, his cousins, Kelsey and Phillip.

Josh is survived by his son David; parents, Judy Kress and Joe and Leah Lehnerz; siblings, Jennifer Niebaum, Jacqueline Lehnerz, Jessie Lehnerz, Meghan Lehnerz, Chase Lehnerz, Ben Lehnerz, Spencer Lehnerz, and Angel Lehnerz; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and so many that loved him and will continue to celebrate his life.