Joshua William Estes-Kemmerer, 37, died in an automobile accident outside Ogden Utah on December 21st, 2021.
Joshua was born in Bozeman, Montana to Patty Ann Estes and Kern Douglas Kemmerer on February 28, 1984. Joshua grew up in Helena, Montana attending Four Georgian’s Elementary, CR Anderson Middle School and graduating from Capital High School in 2002. Always active in sports, Josh played soccer and Babe Ruth Baseball, ran Cross Country and Track and was on the Ski Team.
Josh attended MSU in Bozeman and earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Josh chose not to pursue Computer Science as a career and worked in the moving business before he began his career as a commercial fisherman. In the summers, Joshua would fish for Salmon on the Bristol Bay of Alaska for Gill Net LLC, and in the winter, Joshua worked on the Great Salt Lake gathering brine shrimp eggs for the GSLB. In between seasons, Josh hung out in Helena at his parent’s house and at the family’s cabin in the mountains South of Lincoln.
Joshua learned a love of National Parks from his parents and was to be found frequently camping and hiking at one of his many favorites. In 2014 Joshua joined his father on an epic road trip that hit 24 National Parks in 31 days and included hiking across the Grand Canyon and climbing the backside of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park.
Joshua had a bright smile, a loving heart, gave great hugs and was known to be a loyal friend.
Joshua is survived by his parents Patty Estes and Kern Kemmerer, Uncle Kim Kemmerer, Aunt Vickie Kemmerer, Uncle Bob Estes and cousin Nicole Heidt.
Joshua was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Uncle Kolin Kemmerer, Aunt Mary Sue Estes, and cousins Tim Estes and Grant Estes.
Memorial services for Joshua are being held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 8th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., Helena; there will be a private ceremony this summer at the family cabin on Dalton Mountain.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Park Foundation at give.nationalparks.org
The road goes ever on and on. J.R.R. Tolkien
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 8, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday January 8, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday January 8, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday January 8, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Verna J Kroll says
Kern & Patty,
This was quite a shock and very painful to have to hear. I am Nicole Belling-Kelley’s mom and Josh was a very special person in Nicole’s life. I know she was very fond of you both as well. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Verna Kroll
Terry Lamping says
I am so sorry to hear of Joshua’s tragic passing. I worked with Helen for many many years. She would always keep me updated as to what was going on with her family, especially her only grandchild Joshua. In reading his obituary it sounds like his grandparents rubbed off on him, with all the travels that he did. I am so, so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for your family during this difficult time.
Bev Rachor says
May God be with you.
P. RIELEY says
Kern, Patty and family, Josh was a classmate growing-up who always brought his huge “J. Estes” smile and laughter daily. Shocked to hear such sad news, thoughts and prayers to your family and friends always.
Lindsey M says
I went to school with Josh from kindergarten through HS graduation, and in college we ended up living next door to each other for a year. I loved seeing him rattle around in that blue Cruiser, and swapping stories over an occasional late breakfast.
We lost touch as we got older and chased our separate adventures, but he’s always been one of my absolute favorite people. The world will miss his great smile and casual, kind, adventurous spirit.
Josh if we meet again, I’ll have a big ol’ plate of hangover cure eggs and toast hot and ready my friend.
Jenna Louttit Olson says
Josh and I attended school together all the way from kindergarten through high school. We became close friends while on the cross country team. During that time, I have such fond memories of spending time with Josh and Troy Clark. Josh was such an incredible person…unbelievably witty (always made me smile), kind, caring and so fun to be around. Patty, Kern, and family, please know my heart is aching alongside you and you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Rhonda Robertson says
Dear Family of Josh,
My Mom, Sharon Strainer worked with Josh’s grandmother Helen at the IRS for years. They became very good friends. My Mom passed in 2019. If here, I know her heart would be breaking of this very sad news. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and I pray the wonderful memories you hold so close within your heart will help comfort you in the days ahead and in time fill you with joy. My God bring peace and comfort to you all.
Rhonda Robertson
Phyllis Shirron says
Josh had an easy humor and a wonderful chuckle. He kept me in stitches! But when you take HIM by surprise, and get that big belly laugh, you feel like you’ve really accomplished something!
He has so many talents, is capable, intelligent, thorough and meticulous. Whether camping, working or traveling with Josh, I always felt more secure and free simply because of his presence. Kern and Patty, he spoke constantly of you with kindness and closeness. The relationship your family has is a precious one. Accepting this loss does not feel possible to me, which makes me know I cannot comprehend your grief. I am so deeply sorry and saddened. Holding you all in my heart~
With love,
Phyllis Shirron
Philip Korejko says
My deepest condolences, Even though our time was short together I always cherished our friendship and work-life together. We shared many laughs and thoughts on things daily when I lived in Bozeman. I remember him telling me the trips home from time to time and could tell he loved to do so and spend time with you.
Thoughts and prayers to the family
Becky Kibbe says
My deepest sympathies and all of my love sent to you, Patty and Kern.