Joshua Simmons

Joshua Daniel Simmons of Wadena, 37, passed away on May 15, 2024. 

Joshua was born December 31, 1986, in Berkeley, California.

 In 2006, Joshua enlisted in the U.S. Army as a 14T. He completed Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA and was a proud “Benning Boy.” After BCT, he attended AIT at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he met his Bride, Ashley. Joshua was enlisted for nine years before becoming a THAAD Warrant Officer. While in the Army, Joshua became well known for his cadence calling during Battery and Battalion runs. He was an excellent leader and motivational speaker, known for helping others dig deep and find the strength to overcome whatever hardship they were facing at the time. He served multiple tours overseas, as well as rotations in South Korea and Japan before he was medically retired in 2022. 

Joshua and Ashley (Speed) were united in marriage in El Paso, Texas on February 2, 2007, and had just celebrated 17 years of marriage this past February. They were blessed with four boys: Caleb, Brennan, Owen, and Benjamin. Joshua became a grandfather three weeks before his passing and was excited to have a granddaughter.

Joshua was a man of many talents and interests. He spent his life as a student of music, chess, church and world history, theology, art, languages, photography, and poetry. Joshua always made it a point to seek out people who were masters of their craft, because for him, surrounding himself with people who were dedicated to being the best was a great motivator in his own pursuits.

He was a gifted photographer with an eye for interesting and unique compositions and a mission to help others see the beauty of God’s creation, both in landscape and human form. 

Joshua’s sense of humor was appreciated by all who met him. He enjoyed boisterous banter over sports and pineapple on pizza (which was a culinary sin in his eyes).

People would often say that after speaking with him for a few moments, they felt like they had known him forever because of the warmth in which he engaged others in conversation.

He will be remembered as a radiating presence, for the light and love he brought to many people’s lives. He poured everything he had into those around him without asking for a single thing in return. He always saw the best in others and made it his mission to make sure they saw it, too. 

Joshua is survived by his wife, Ashley, four sons: Caleb, Brennan, Owen, and Benjamin, granddaughter, Evelyn, and many friends who became family over the years. 

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