Joshua S. 'Josh' Burdette

JOSHUA S. "JOSH" BURDETTE

Cedar Rapids

Josh Burdette was born in Elyria, Ohio, May 28, 1982, and moved with his family to Visalia, Calif., 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 before 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 his life to the fullest.

Josh returned to Iowa and on Feb. 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 their 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 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.

Please leave a message or tribute to the Burdette family on our web page at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.