June 9, 1980 - Oct. 6, 2006

Josh was born June 9, 1980, in Coos Bay, to David and Ann (Guenther) Messerle. He died Oct. 6, 2006, in Coos Bay.

He attended Bunker Hill Elementary and Millicoma Middle schools, where he participated in a variety of sports. He followed his passion for sports while at Marshfield High School, and was a captain and leader of the Pirate football team. Josh graduated from Marshfield in 1999. He obtained a bachelor of science degree in forestry from the University of Montana, Missoula, in 2003. While at U of M, Josh competed with the logger sports team throughout the Northwest. After college, Josh held positions as a practicing forester in Montana, Northern California and Oregon.

Josh was an avid woodsman and sportsman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, skiing, camping, hiking and anything else outdoors with his fiancee, Theresa Johnson, and a wide circle of family and friends. Josh will be remembered for his laughter, his enthusiasm, his strength and his larger-than-life personality. He was a loving and much-loved companion, son, brother, cousin, uncle, grandson and friend.

He is survived by his fiancee, Theresa; parents, David and Ann of Coos Bay; brother, Jeffery; sister-in-law, Molly; nephew, Bo Messerle of Coquille; sister, Stephanie and her husband, Jake Robinson, of Gold Hill; grandmothers, Geraldine Guenther and Josephine Messerle; and numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Josh was preceded in death by his grandfathers, John Guenther and Everett Messerle.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Everett Messerle Memorial Fund at Marshfield High School, 10th and Ingersoll, Coos Bay, OR 97420; and that Josh's spirit be honored through acts of kindness.