Joshua Paul Etten

Joshua Paul Etten
Age 22 of Roseville, MN

Joshua Paul tragically lost his life doing what he loved, roaming the world, making friends, and listening to music. And what a wonderful adventure he was having - attending an F1 race in Belgium, hiking in Florence, visiting the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and attending concerts in the Italian countryside. He kept a log of all the friends he made from so many different countries as he traveled across Europe. Josh was in communication with us during his time in Europe, he frequently texted his parents, sister, grandparents, and cousins, sharing pictures of his travels. He told us all that he was genuinely and truly happy.

On Sunday August 18th, 2024 Josh died in an accident in Rome, where he was about to start his job as an au pair. Our hearts are broken that after years of struggling with mental illness and substance abuse, he was full of hope again, only for his life to be so cruelly cut short.

Josh's last year was one of sobriety, and he was mostly able to keep the mental demons at bay. Josh was working full-time as an Educational Assistant Specialist at WELS North in District 916. He found a job he truly loved, working alongside young adults who receive special education services.He said the scholars made him a better person, and he was proud that he was the go-to EAS when scholars needed to decompress, walk and talk. He was looking forward to returning for the spring semester. Josh always had a few nutrition bars wrapped in dollar bills in his car for the homeless he encountered. Josh found purpose in helping both humans and animals in need.

For the first time in a long time, he found true and caring friends, including Drew, Shey, Deryk, June, Maya, Mikey, Ethan, Teresa, Frisco, Phil, Parker, and Chris. He was playing hockey, basketball, and softball every week, and had even found his passion for golf again. His dad loved golfing with Josh most of all. Josh seemed so vibrant, he was constantly pranking and joking with his family and friends. He had an incredible sense of humor.

Josh was playing his guitar regularly and talked about his upcoming jam sessions. He took a trip up to the BWCA, and a picture from that adventure is framed in our family room. But some recent challenges were the catalyst for his departure to embark on his journey that ended far too soon. We will never understand, but we will learn to accept living with this emptiness in our hearts.

Josh is in heaven and at peace. He leaves behind so many people who love him and will miss him more than words can ever convey, including his parents Amy and Rob Etten, adoring and caring sister Sarah, grandparents John and Rosalie Etten, many aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of the family, and all of his friends. We already miss his smile, his laugh, his jokes, and his warm and caring heart.

Mental illness is real, and we need to normalize conversations on the topic. Substance abuse can be devastating. And without treatment and care, the combination is horrible. We take solace that Josh found his happiness, even if it was half a world away. But if you see someone hurting from either of these diseases, please ask if you can help, or help them get help. And if you see bullying, especially among young kids, please aggressively intervene. Memorials preferred to either the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

Rest in peace, beloved Josh. Please know how much you were loved. Keep them entertained and laughing in heaven, buddy. You will be forever with us in our memories.

Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00PM (visitation begins at 11:30AM) Friday, September 27 at St. Odilia Catholic Church, 3495 N. Victoria, Shoreview. Interment in the parish cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be from 5-7PM (remembrances at 5:30PM) Friday, October 4 at Midland Hills Country Club, 2001 Fulham Street, Roseville MN.