Joshua Wunsch

Josh was born in New Ulm, Minnesota, graduated from New Ulm Senior High School in 1992, and studied Environmental Engineering at the Athens Technical Institute in Georgia before settling in Conifer, Colorado in 2004. He was employed as an Operator by the Mountain Water and Sanitation District of Kings Valley after working many years as a self-employed carpenter and cultivating his own endeavors.

He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, dear friend and bandmate who will forever be remembered for his polar blue eyes, gigantic hugs, full-bodied laugh, his love for his dogs, funny quips, pulsating beats, and fantastic socks. The positivity of his spirit was electrifyingly contagious and would light up every room he entered.

A music enthusiast, he saw hundreds of concerts of artists of all kinds of music all over the world, including over 420 shows of his favorite band, Widespread Panic, which he called “going to church”. His art and poster collection would generate hours of conversations and stir countless memories.

Not just a fan, he was also an incredible drummer and musician, playing hundreds of live shows in many bands over the past 35 years, where his fiery passion and skill commanded the attention of anyone who saw him perform. In addition to music, he loved to be wrestling the wheels of his vintage VWs, cruising the mountain roads on his Harley, or carving through the powder on his snowboard.

Josh left us far too soon, but his kindness, passion, love and generosity will continue to echo like his drum beats through the hearts of his family, friends and community.

His star burned bright.

He is survived by his wife, Yukiko, and son, Genesis, of Conifer, CO; his father, Jerry Wunsch of Sleepy Eye, MN; his mother, Jill (Jon) Wellnitz of New Ulm, MN; his sister, Jenny Wunsch of Mankato, MN; his brothers, Jay Wunsch of Sleepy Eye, MN, Dustin Thompson, and Cody (Cassie) Thompson, both of New Ulm, MN; his uncle Dan (Deanna) Mickelson of Brighton, CO; additional aunts and uncles, as well as several nieces, nephews, and other family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held in September in the Colorado foothills at a date and place to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Go Fund Me set up for the family to help support them during this difficult time.

To donate, please visit: https://gofund.me/2dcd2563.