Memorial
Josh Burdette was born in Elyria, Ohio on May 28, 1982 and moved with his family to Visalia, California as a child until moving to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1997. Josh attended Linn-Mar schools, graduating in 2001. He continued his education at Kirkwood College prior to returning to Visalia where he was employed by UPS.
In June 2006 while in Visalia, Josh fell seriously ill requiring a double lung transplant at UCSF, with the distinction of being the first recipient of lungs harvested from the state of Hawaii. Within six months, Josh returned to full employment at UPS. This was the first of many examples of his courage and determination to live life to the fullest.
Josh returned to Iowa, and on February 2, 2012 became the first successful double lung retransplant performed at UIHC, further proof of his courage and resilience.
Despite his physical challenges, Josh enjoyed a full and happy life. He loved the outdoors, camping with family and friends, shooting guns with his Uncle Jim, sitting by the fire with his amazing number of wonderful friends. Josh was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, uncle, cousin, and loyal friend. If he loved you, you knew it, and he would do anything for those he loved. He was kind and generous with his time. Josh taught others that there is room for lightness and gratitude no matter the challenges faced.
Grief should not be feared because it is a testament to love. Josh was dearly loved and will be forever missed by his mother Jan Burdette, sister Jessica Braksiek (Andrew), grandmothers Doris King and Marjorie Goldcamp, nephew and nieces Tyler, Alexandra and Sydney Braksiek, his aunts, uncles, many cousins and a large extended family of friends.
Josh is reunited in death with his father Stephen Burdette, grandfathers Ronald Burdette and Boyce Goldcamp, Aunt Kathy Smelser, cousin Jennifer Denes and other loved ones.
In gratitude for the gift of life he received twice, in death Josh became an organ and tissue donor and asked that memorials be directed to The Iowa Donor Network (www.iowadonornetwork.org) in his name. The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding care and unwavering support given to Josh by Drs. Eberlein, Klesney-Tait, and Pena; also Abby, Emily and the RSCCU staff at UIHC.
Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. Following the service, an old-school "Burdette style" party to celebrate Josh's life will be held at the family home.