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Joshua PIETSCH Obituary

PIETSCH, Joshua B.The good Lord called home this young man on Saturday, March 13, 2010 after a courageous 17-year battle with a debilitating disease. He was 34. Born in Montreal, Canada, the son of a pediatric surgeon and a registered nurse, Josh developed a passion for medicine at an early age. Despite a progressive illness that started with his hearing at the age of 17, Josh graduated from the University of Michigan School of Nursing in 1997. From 1997 to 2000, Josh worked as a Registered Nurse at Vanderbilt University in the Medical Intensive Care Unit and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In 2000, he went to work at the Skyline Medical Center in the Critical Care Unit. Josh returned to Vanderbilt in 2003 as a Research Nurse in the Office of the VCH Surgeon-in-Chief for two years, until his illness made it to difficult to continue. While at Vanderbilt, he was published in several medical journals and books, including a number of collaborations with his father. He is survived by parents, Joanne and Dr. John Pietsch; brother, Matthew Pietsch (Catherine); sister, Rebecca Pietsch. A memorial Mass will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at St. Henry Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Tennessee Disability Coalition at https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d1/default.aspx?wid=23614. MARSHALL DONNELLY COMBS, (615) 327-1111

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Published by The Tennessean on Mar. 15, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Kim Ceasar

April 8, 2017

I am soooooooo heartbroken today to learn of Joshua's passing. During a conversation, this morning, with a patient about lip reading, I shared my first experience about teaching/training a special young man, Joshua Pietsch, how to read lips because he was losing his hearing. I further shared that he was studying medicine at U of M. I met Joshua, summer of 1995 at EMU Speech Clinic as I was new graduate student in the speech pathology program. I was assigned to provide speech therapy to address his progressive hearing issue. Needless to say, we tackled this challenge together. He was an awesome client; extremely compliant with home exercises and treatment activities. Therapy was so successful and powerful that the clinical director allowed students and staff to watch our sessions in an observation room. I was the star of the speech clinic that summer thanks to Joshua. His diligence kept me focused on giving my very best. In the following years, I thought of him often; wondering where he was and what he was doing but never checked up on him. My heart shattered when I learned of his passing; however, I was glad and estatic to learn of his educational accomplishments and contributions to medicine despite his medical condition. His achievements speak to what I so fondly remember about Joshua: gentle, meek, kind and determined. He touched my life in a way that I shall never ever forget! His existence is forever burned in my memory. Rest in peace dear Joshua!

Beth Hallmark

March 20, 2010

I worked with Josh at Vandy on 6N, he was much like his dad, kind and loved the people in his care. Dr Pietsch, I am so sorry for your loss. You should be very proud of all he acccomplished. His kindness was a gift!

Pamela Martin

March 16, 2010

You Will be missed in the spading rooms!

Noelle Bleecker

March 15, 2010

My condolences to Josh's family! I have not seen him since high school, but he was a remarkable young man at a young age! My heart hurts to hear this news. May he rest in peace! May you find comfort continuing his journey!

Tracey Broughton

March 15, 2010

My deepest sympathy to Joshua's family. Joshua touched my heart with his kindness and humour. He was the eternal optimist and had a way of making me and others smile. Josh always put everyone before himself and I am blessed to have known him. He has left an imprint on my heart and I will miss him so very much. Tracey

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