Joshua J. Ehlers

Sgt. Joshua J. Ehlers

Sgt. Joshua James Ehlers, age 22 of Clarksville, TN and formerly of Albert City, IA, passed away August 15, 2012 at his home in Clarksville.

Funeral services were held Thursday, August 23, 2012 at 10:30 a.m., at the Evangelical Free Church in Albert City. Burial was in the Fairfield Township Cemetery in Albert City. Visitation took place Wednesday, August 22, 2012 from 4-8:30 p.m. at the church.

The Sliefert Funeral Home in Albert City was is in charge of the arrangements.

Joshua James Ehlers was born on July 31, 1990 in Tucson, AZ. He was adopted by Steve and Betty Ehlers of Newell, IA on May 18, 1998. Joshua was homeschooled through high school, receiving his diploma in 2008.

He joined the United States Army in 2008, serving his country faithfully until this death. Joshua received his training at Fort Benning, GA and Fort Sam Houston, TX. He was deployed with the 1/41 Field Artillery Unit of Fort Steward, GA, serving honorably for one year in Iraq. Joshua was currently stationed at Fort Campbell, KY in the 101st Airborne MEDDAC Division. He worked in the Army Community Hospital in the emergency room. Joshua was very professional, diligent, and a highly respected medic.

Joshua was united in marriage to Lauren Smith on May 5, 2011 in Hinesville, GA. Joshua loved his family very much, and was a faithful and devoted husband and father. He adored his two little girls. The week before his death, Joshua and the entire Ehler's family enjoyed vacationing together in Orlando, FL. He will be remembered by everyone who knew him as an exceptionally avid reader.

Joshua is survived by his wife, Lauren, and daughters, Isabella and Jamie of Clarksville, TN; parents, Steve and Betty Ehlers of Newell, IA; brothers and sisters, Bethany (Romulus) Stefanut of Chicago, IL, Caleb (Amy) Ehlers of Lee's Summit, MO, Andrew (Jessica) Ehlers of Storm Lake, IA, Britta Ehlers and Madison Ehlers, both of Newell, IA; nieces and nephew, Annika and Timaeus Stefanut, Sophia Ehlers; grandmother, Doris Skog of Albert City, IA; aunts, uncles, cousins, other extended family, co-workers and many friends. He also leaves to mourn his special friends, Reid and Dory Prins and family.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Harvey Skog and grandparents, Helmuth and Rosella Ehlers.

Written by his wife: "The heat of battle and the birth of his children deepened Joshua's faith and dependence on God. He came to realize the nearness of God wherever he went. Not a day went by without praying with his wife and children."

May God bless the memory of Sgt. Joshua James Ehlers.