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Joshua Steele Obituary
NORTH HENDERSON - Captain Joshua Eric "Josh" Steele, 26, of North Henderson died Sunday, June 17, 2007, near Panjway, Afghanistan, when the Humvee in which he was a passenger detonated an improvised explosive device.
Captain Steele was born on July 8, 1980, in Galesburg, the son of R. Philip and Paula Weir Steele. They survive of North Henderson.
Also surviving are his brother, Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Stephen (Christine) Steele of Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.; sisters, Gina Steele of San Francisco, Calif., and Army First Lieutenant Lucinda (Nicholas) Piotrowski of Fort Sill, Okla.; grandparents, Harold and Madonna Steele of Sherwood, Ohio; nieces, Stephanie, Heather and Courtney Steele and Abigail Piotrowski.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Paul and Dixie Weir and one nephew, Jason Steele.
He was raised on a farm near North Henderson and attended Immaculate Conception Parochial School in Monmouth and Alexis Community School in Alexis. After graduating from high school at Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Mo., in 1998, he received his degree in geological engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla, magna cum laude, in 2002, where he was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and the Society of Military Engineers.
From an early age, Josh wanted to be a soldier and defend his country. As a teenager, he had told his mother that he was willing to give his life for his country. He was commissioned in the Army in 2002 and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., assigned to the 5th and later the 35th Engineering Battalions. He was previously deployed in Iraq and the Republic of Georgia before being sent to Afghanistan in January 2007.
Josh was incredibly intelligent and was passionate about everything he cared about. He always stood up for the things he believed in. He was protective of those he cared about, including his country, his family and especially his little sister. While Josh was often quiet, when he spoke, everyone remembered what he said. He was quick-witted, straightforward and very honest. Because of his passion, hard work, creativity, intensity and perfectionism, he was able to accomplish anything he set his mind to do. He enjoyed geological pursuits as well as raising and showing swine, horseback riding, hunting and life on the farm. He was a devout Catholic. He was a member of the 4-H and FFA in Alexis, civil air patrol in Galesburg and was vice president of his junior class.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 25, 2007, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 218 W. Broadway Ave., Monmouth, with Fr. Christopher Haake officiating, assisted by Frs. Michael Monclova, John Thieryoung and Stanislaus Mutajwaha. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 24, 2007, at the United North Fieldhouse, 101 N. Holloway, Alexis, with recitation of the rosary at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Oxford Township 400 E. 100 N., near Woodhull.
Memorials may be made to the Army Fisher Houses or the Bukoba Tanzania Diocese Education Initiative for the (Kwauso) Secondary School.
Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory in Knoxville is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joshua Steele
CPT Blues Buckholz
July 4, 2021
I knew him as a Combat Engineer Company Embedded Trainer. It was my position as the Afghan National Army's Training and Development Officer specific to Combat Engineers, EOD and Counter-IED to manage all the Embedded Training Teams (US) and Operational Mentor and Liaison Team (ISAF). Josh's loss changed Memorial Day for me forever. CPT Steele made a difference!
Charlie Gili
August 21, 2016
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Steele Family know that we just made a small donation to the Army Fisher House in honor of Joshua E. Steele US Army Captain. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Peggy Childers
June 19, 2012
June 17, 2012
To the family and friends of Capt. Joshua Steele:
Always remembering Joshua. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
June 18, 2011
June 17, 2011
To the family and friends of Capt. Joshua Steele:
Please accept my remembrance of Joshua on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
June 17, 2010
To the family and friends of Capt. Joshua Steele:
Remembering Joshua on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Peggy Childers
June 18, 2009
To the family of Capt. Joshua Steele:
Joshua gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
David Thrapp
May 24, 2009
Dear family of Captain Joshua Steele,
This message is a long time coming, but Josh was the XO of B/35th, at Fort Leonard Wood, when I took command of it. He could have ran the Company himself, and did on many occasions. He was a tremendous asset and I was lucky to have him as a new commander. I was informed of his passing while serving in Iraq. I think of him often, and especially on Memorial Day. He was a great person and is truly missed.
Very Sincerely,
Major David S. Thrapp
Pastor Frank Noyes
September 16, 2008
Dear family of Capt. Joshua Steele,
We want to say thank you. We understand that no words can be adequate for your sorrow. We certainly do not want to intrude upon your privacy. As Americans we want you to know that we deeply appreciate the ultimate sacrifice your loved one has made for all of us. We also would like for you to be aware that with this letter comes our special concern and prayers for you. We are all safer because young men and women who love their country, and know the value of a free nation, are willing to put themselves in harms way, and lay down their lives to keep this nation free and safe for all of us.
Your sacrifice is also very great. We know that we can give little comfort; however, the knowledge that your loved one did not die in vain, but died in the service of our country, gives each of us a noble example of the value of life, and the responsibility of freedom. We hope this will bring pride and comfort to you.
We at Gethsemane Church believe that there is purpose to life. We send this letter with our deepest appreciation for the greatest of sacrifices, you and your loved one have given to this country. We know it is not enough, but please allow us to assure you that your loved one is not forgotten.
Very Sincerely
Frank G. Noyes
Frank G. Noyes (Pastor)
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(Jn. 15:13)
Happy Birthday
Michael Iezzi
July 8, 2008
Josh,
Happy Birthday in Heaven. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
In Memory of Joshua ~ (Debra Estep)
June 18, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Joshua, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Michael Iezzi
June 17, 2008
Joshua,
Thinking and praying for you on the 1st anniversary of your passing into eternal glory. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends", John 15:13.
Rest In Peace
Michael Iezzi
March 21, 2008
Father we entrust our brother Joshua to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Joshua in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
Peggie Writtenhouse
October 4, 2007
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to the family of Jashua Steele, Thanks for your Soldier's Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and Freedom.
The price he and his family have paid, will never be forgotten.
In the days to come if you find yourself feeling like you can‘t go on , recall the years and days you were blessed by his presence, this is the one thing that cannot be taken away from you are your memories, may you find comfort there and may God’s Peace strengthen you through the difficult days ahead and the emptiness in your hearts!
I am the Sister of a hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in 2005 in Taji, Iraq and time does make it hurt less.
"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have passed away."
Revelations 21:4
NOW SERVING IN GOD’S ARMY
In His Memory,
Master Sgt James F. Hayes
1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division Fort Campbell KY
August 16, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
ROBYN GARSIDE
July 13, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Tom Gugliuzza
July 10, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Steele family in the loss of Joshua. I did not know Joshua, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Joshua you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Jennifer Henderson
July 6, 2007
Mr and Mrs Steele and family,
I know there is nothing I can say to ease the pain. I too feel the pain. My husband is SFC Henderson, lost the same day in the same vehicle with your son and family member. I can tell you your son/family member was a good man. My husband spoke of Cpt Steele some on our phone calls and he always had good things to say. My husband was always a good judge of character. I want you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as well. The team as well as all of us lost a great deal on that terrifying day. All soldiers are heros. Our daughter thinks that all of them that were in the vehicle that day are now stars that watch over us every night. Please accept my daughter's and my deepest and most heartfelt condolences and gratitude for your son/family members service to our country and also for his friendship to SFC Henderson. Know that you always may contact us.
gary Allain
July 5, 2007
Capt. Joshua Steele
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
Cory and Mary Orvik
July 2, 2007
We can't imagine what you have been going through since being notified of the death of your young Warrior. The Military and families all over the USA and world are grieving with you and praying for you. What a very brave individual you have in your family that would give up a life for their homeland and its people so they can remain free. Your Freedom Fighter has served the Country above and beyond the call of duty, let no one ever tell you different. With the mission now completed your Warrior has been redeployed to Heaven to sit on the right hand of the Supreme Commander and Chief. The Father above has Joshua in his arms and will give him peace as well as eventually easing your pain and suffering. God speed to you and Capt. Joshua Steele, our HERO. We are so proud of them that are willing to sacrifice for this great Nation, THANK YOU.
Army Retired
Mary Soenksen
June 29, 2007
I am sadden to read about the lose of your son Josh, I too just recently lost my daughter in Iraq. There are no words to justify the pain,only terrific memories of days gone by. Josh had to be a strong, caring and wonderful person to sacrifice himself so we can continue living in a free American. God Bless your family during this difficult transition. Thanks for your ultimate sacrifice.
June 29, 2007
To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
Dawm & Joe Kost
June 29, 2007
The family of CAPT Steele is in our thoughts and prayers.
Carol Cline
June 28, 2007
Capt. Josh Steele and Family:
Know in your heart that you are a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.
To the family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.
Dennis (USMC - Vietnam) & Pam Robertson
June 28, 2007
We are deeply saddened at the loss of this brave young soldier, a hero. May God comfort and embrace you as only He can. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
In loving memory of our nephew
Lance Cpl James R. Davenport KIA 11/22/06 Anbar Province
john karcher
June 28, 2007
To the family and friends of Josh Steele: I have been trying to find contact information in order to send a letter, it hasnt been easy. I was in school at UMR ROTC with Josh and I cannot say enough about the man. Josh was the epitome of a true Soldier, leader and friend. I hadn't seen him since he was commisioned, but I knew that he would do extremely well in his military career. He was, by far, one of the nicest and smartest people I have known. Soldiers need more leaders like Josh. It is hard to express the grief that we all feel, my family and friends, even though many have never met Josh. The fact that we are all Soldiers or family of Soldiers makes us a very close, very large family. If Josh's family reads this, please contact me via email if there is anything at all that I can help with. CPT John Karcher (assigned to the Captains Career Course, FT Sill OK.)
Mike Ward
June 28, 2007
We are all praying for your family.
Team Offutt Cycling Team
valorie
June 27, 2007
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and now they are protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007
marie jones
June 27, 2007
i am deeply sorry about the lost of your dear love one may the god of peace and comfort be with the family. death is a hard thing to deal with but we can always draw strenght from god who deeply cares for you.and know this you do not grieve alone their are many that support you and pray for u.
Sandy Bonesteel
June 27, 2007
As the mother of a son (my only child) who is enlisted in the Army, I want to send my condolences.
SHIRLEY DONEY
June 27, 2007
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU
Garnet Jenkins
June 26, 2007
Please accept my Deepest and most heartfelt sympathy regarding the loss of Capt. Joshua Steele. The price this Brave Young Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
There is so much thanks to be given, to these young heroes, for their Courage, Dedication and Service.
May Joshua rest safely now in God's Loving Care and may God's Comforting Grace Bless and be with the Steele family.
I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.
"Wait on the Lord, be of good courage
and He shall strengthen your heart"
~ Psalm 27:14 ~
May the Peace of God and your treasured memories of Joshua, remain in your heart always.
May this give you comfort and strength through the difficult days ahead.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
debbi rivers
June 26, 2007
To the family of Joshua, my grief for the loss of you son is felt. I know what it's like to loose your child in war as my son was killed in action too. It feels that your heart has been ripped from you and you don't understand why this happened to your child. I've felt all you will feel in the coming days and weeks and though I’m not close in relation to area, but I am very close by email. I offer any support to you and your family that I can. It's with the Grace of God that I've gotten through each day and with His healing love and comfort that I've been able to once again sleep at night and not cry each day. Believe me I do know how hard it is. May God continue to heal you and your family and contact me when and if you are ever ready, even if it's to vent or cry. In memory of my son SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler III KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq with the 2-505th PIR 82nd Airborne Div
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