Joshua J. Thurber

Joshua Joseph Thurber saw his first Sunrise on October the 21st of 1978. His last Sunset came far too early in the evening hours of November the 8th of 2018. Surrounded by those who loved him best, he decided it was time to go home. That evening the stars shined a little brighter and our world became a little darker. He was a vibrant, kind, sarcastic, loving and humble son, husband, father, brother and friend.

Josh is survived by his strong and loving wife, Tonya (LeGros) Thurber and two beautiful children, Claire (4) and Liam (2). He is also survived by his proud and loving Mother, Netty Thurber and preceded in death by his dear father, John Thurber. He is further survived by his brother Travis (Tara) Thurber and his nephews, Dalton and Dylan. He is additionally survived by his father and mother-in-law James and Margaret LeGros, sister-in-law Tammy (Andrew) Phelps and his niece and nephew, Lydia and Kenton. He is also survived by his uncles, aunts and cousins. And the cat, Jasper!

He will be greatly missed, not only by his family, but by countless others.

Josh was welcomed into his eternal life, not only by his father, but by many family and friends, including, his grandparents, Fredrick Smith, Cecilia (Strong Thurber), Harold and Lucille Yaeger, as well as his uncle Donald Thurber, aunt Betty (Thurber) Stanton, and cousins Wendy and Jamie Thurber.

Josh was courageous in his fight against brain cancer, and with the help of many loved ones, he faced it head-on and with a smile. Cancer may have taken Josh at 40 years, but it did not define him or his life story. He often wore a goofy facial expression to make everyone laugh, he was often found socializing with family and friends, he loved to use his witty and sarcastic humor to brighten the day or provide an eye roll to those who knew him best. He loved the outdoors and almost every activity one could think of, to include water sports, skiing and riding his motorcycle and dirt bike. Like many in Wisconsin, he enjoyed hunting and his family’s cottage up-north. If he wasn’t outdoors or socializing, he was building things and working with his hands. If there was an adventure to be had or a concert to attend, Josh was there. The last big adventure that Josh took was with his wife, Tonya, as they ventured off to Europe for the trip of a lifetime and to fulfill Josh’s Bucket List. Josh made many memories and touched many hearts. The best gift that Josh left the world is his children. Claire and Liam adore their father and he adored them. His face would light up when they were around. He was very proud to be a father and a husband. They are his greatest accomplishment, they are his legacy.

Josh graduated with the class of 1997 from Appleton High School West and lettered in academics and sports in football, track and wrestling. He graduated from the University of Milwaukee-Wisconsin.

The families would like to thank everyone who helped Josh and Tonya during this unfair and untimely battle and great loss. Josh had the best support and friendship anyone could ask for and it will not be forgotten. Josh’s mother said that from the moment he was born that she and his father loved him with every ounce of their being and could not love him more. The LeGros family loved Josh as their own and warmly welcomed him into their family. As a child, Josh was taught to love honestly, without apology and be his authentic self. He did until his last breath. He will live on in all of the hearts that he touched and in his children’s laughter, strength and goofy facial expressions that are a “Thurber legacy.”

Services will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue in New Berlin, Wisconsin on Saturday, November 17, 2018 from 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM and a celebration of his life to follow at 2:00 PM.