Joshua A. Gerstmeyer

Joshua first opened his eyes to this world on October 12, 1975 in Riverside, CA. Son of Guy & Christine M. (Kramer) Gerstmeyer. His family moved to northern WI when Josh was 10 years old, and God’s leading to start a church. Josh’s love for the great North Woods was born in this place. He spent the latter years of his youth helping his Father in his ministry and exploring, hunting, and fly fishing with his brother Chad and Father Guy. His fondest childhood memories consisted of these things. Though his journey took him many places and he embraced Wisconsin, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida and Michigan, as home.

Joshua loved being out in nature, working his craft (any craft) with commitment and dedication, and connecting with others everywhere he went.

Knowing the love of God in the person of Jesus, and engaging in a direct relationship with God through Him, was the cornerstone of Joshua’s life. He could see and appreciate the heart of the Creator in His creation, and it gave Joshua the sincerest appreciation for all of nature. He enjoyed going on regular hikes and camping trips just to experience a sliver of God’s greatness.

A man driven by following where God would lead, Joshua met and fell in love with his beloved wife Jessica in 2005. They started their adventure, and committed to one another in marriage on September 27, 2007. Together they shared a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love that they strived to honor every single day. A devoted protector and provider, Joshua embodied his role as a husband to Jess; as a leader seeking God first on their family’s behalf, and the most loyal partner who was present in every aspect and season of their journey. God blessed their home with an even greater love than they had known, through the birth of their daughter Madelyn, which rekindled Joshua’s passion for the next generation. The outdoor man and adventurer was somehow entrusted with the delicate task to father a daughter, and there was nothing but a willing and humble “yes” from him, to embrace such honor. Joshua loved spending quality time with his Madi. From Disney princess’ movies to wanderlust adventures, Joshua cultivated the heart of his daughter with a love that aimed to point her to Jesus. As a family man Joshua saw himself extremely blessed to spend his time with “his girls.” For if they moved, they did so together. And when they stayed, it was for them he put forward his best efforts. The memories made together are some of the biggest treasure that will live in their hearts and minds forever.

Joshua loved all of his family and friends fiercely and could be counted on to “be there” at a moments’ notice to support them in any way he could.

Joshua loved living out his calling. As a husband, a father, as a friend, and pastor, he lived to point others to Jesus. He wanted everyone to know – it’s not about being perfect, but about a continual surrender to God, and a willingness to follow wherever He leads.

Joshua is survived here on earth by his wife Jessica (Peano), their daughter Madelyn, his parents Guy & Terri Gerstmeyer of Salida, CO, his brother Chad D. (Tara) Gerstmeyer of Owasso, OK. Also by his-in-laws David Peano and Kathie Clifton; sister-in-law Jennie Peano, brother and sister in-law Aaron Peano and Amanda Noordyk, and by his step-brothers: Joseph and David Szafranski, along with aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and numerous friends who had become like family from his church families. Josh was preceded in death by his mother, Christine Gerstmeyer.

As Josh was living perhaps some of the most fulfilling and satisfying days of his life, partnering with others in pursuing God and serving as a Pastor at NORTHIRON Church, he will be celebrated at each of its services this weekend, first at 6:30 pm on Saturday, February 15th at the L’Anse campus (Reid Funeral Service and Chapel). Then at 9:00am and 10:15am services on Sunday, February 16th at the Ishpeming campus (910 Palms Ave Ishpeming) and following at 11:30am at the Marquette campus (North Star Academy 3030 Wright St. Marquette).

The final celebration will take place at 6:00pm on Sunday, with a dinner to commemorate Josh’s life at the NORTHIRON Church in Ishpeming.

The family is extremely grateful for the prayers and support shown during this difficult time and asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Josh’s family.

Josh’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note or remembrance.