Joshua Wesley Rutter

Joshua Wesley Rutter was born on December 22, 1998, in Detroit, Michigan, and returned to his Creator's loving embrace on June 11, 2025, in Plano, Texas. He was 26 years old.

As the beloved son of Thad Rutter III and Rev. Dr. Rebecca Borke, Joshua experienced the blessings of many communities and congregations throughout his childhood. Together with his younger siblings, Micah and Joy, he called home the cities of Detroit, Michigan; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Princeton, West Virginia; Knoxville, Tennessee; Rochester, Minnesota; Dakota and Plainfield, Illinois; De Pere and Brookfield, Wisconsin. In his adult years, Joshua made the Dallas-Fort Worth area his home.

From his earliest days, Joshua captivated those around him with his remarkable eloquence, earning the affectionate nickname "little lawyer" for his passionate advocacy and persuasive arguments. His intensity, creativity, and insatiable curiosity shaped every aspect of his life. As a young child, he found wonder in aircraft carriers and trains, spent countless hours building intricate marble runs and Lego creations, enjoyed boardgames, and expressed himself through writing, singing, and playing piano. His tender heart showed itself in his devotion to family pets and rescuing injured wildlife.

During his middle school years, Joshua's interests expanded to include a deep fascination with Japanese culture and the enterprising spirit that led him to establish his own online gaming business. These formative years also revealed his generous nature and strong faith, particularly evident in his love for summer camp.

Joshua's journey took a more challenging path during his high school years when he began facing severe mental illnesses. Despite the unwavering support of family and friends, these struggles remained with him throughout his life.

Joshua's memory lives on in the hearts of his devoted parents, Thad and Rebecca; his siblings, Micah and Joy; his maternal grandparents, Edwin and Judith Borke; his paternal grandfather, Rev. Dr. Thad Rutter Jr.; a loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, and hundreds of brothers and sisters in Christ. He now joins his beloved Grandma Lynn Rutter in the eternal healing, joy, and peace of their Creator and Savior's presence.

Memorial Service: A celebration of Joshua's life and God's abundant grace will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Peace United Methodist Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Rev. Edwin Vargas will officiate the service, and all are invited for a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to any of the churches and camps that helped develop Joshua’s faith so they can continue to demonstrate God’s grace, kindness, and love.