Obituaries

So very sorry to hear this. The loss of a child is the hardest for parents to deal with. It's just so out of order. Our sincerest condolences. We are here for you.

Want to leave my thoughts and prayers with the Ventura family as Josh was a great guy back in high school and from everything I've heard that has continued since then. I am happy to have known Josh from high school football and we unfortunately did not keep in touch. I'm sorry for your loss.

Josh, I feel compelled to write this because I cannot be at your memorial in person. I first met you about 10 years ago when Tim introduced you to me as a friend from work. He doesn’t have many of those by the way, and I was rather surprised. You came over regularly and played video games with Tim and Jake on your shared days off, sometimes we would all go out to dinner. Sometimes you and Tim would spend your shared days off just hanging out. I was glad that my husband had found a friend to get out of the house with. We affectionately called you “Man-friend”. As time went on we got to know you better and we eventually met your family. Your mom and dad were very friendly and warm to us and we grew to care about them as much as we care about you. I watched you grow up; you were 23 going on 15 when I met you. We often joked with you about your favorite things, video games, movies, food and boobies! We had fun at the occasional bar or at home, when you went on vacation with us to Disney it was kind of like having another kid around. We laughed when we were at the mall, because people would assume you were one of our children… It happened more than once… You always seemed to leave something behind when you spent the night at our house after a marathon video game or movie night with Tim. Jake enjoyed your company and looked up to you in many ways. As time went on you grew up, got a roommate, and had a few girlfriends here and there. Then you met Maggie… I watched you transform from a happy go lucky, overgrown boy, who stole salt and pepper shakers from diners when he was drunk, into a responsible husband and provider. You had a sense of responsibility and dedication to her. It was obvious that you loved her and would be happy with her as your wife. The man who once complained about his married friends having a curfew or having to check in was suddenly doing those very same things, and willingly, I might add. You were taken from us way to soon and I will miss your goofy laugh and wry sense of humor. I hope you are enjoying your new existence wherever that may be. Maybe someday our paths will cross again my friend. It was a pleasure to share those years with you and have you as part of my family. Love you, Tracy Meal

I met Josh many years ago working at Blockbuster. We were very close for years and gradually went our separate ways. He was a huge part of my life and I can't even believe that this happened to him. Doing something he always wanted to do. I'm sorry to his family and friends.

2014 Special Olympics Illinois Plane Pull Championship team... I know you'll be helping us from heaven,

I only know Josh from coming into the salon I work at and cut his hair many times. He was such a nice genuine guy!! He had so much passion and love both both his wife and law enforcement. Every time he came in those were the 2 subjects we would discuss. I know he is looking down on his sweet wife and his family. My heart breaks for all of you. I'm so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers. Fly high and patrol the sky Josh.

My sincere condolences to Josh's wife and family, on the passing, of this special man. To all his special friends, my heart reaches out with a sadness, for I know you shall not see him again in this life.

I never knew you husband,son and brother but as a mother who daughter is a police officer you lose is felt by all the other parents husband wife. We to are big family and please just know you are in the minds and prayers of thousands of family. My husband and myself was on the road on Washington rd as the police brought your loved to the home . What a moment that was . May you remember the smile you love and the sparkle in his eye

Condolences to the family and his wife. Grandson Andrew Dillow worked with him on the Boat Patrol. I am a retired police officer .

You and Maggie became part of our family. So kind and sincere both of you were. I feel like I have lost one of my children. I am so proud to have known you. I hope you are at peace and are watching over your beautiful wife and your mother and father. Evie and I will miss you.

Dear Josh, Thank you for being a good husband to my daughter Margaret. Thank you for your service to our community. Thank you for sharing your family and friends with us. Thank you for rekindling my interest in Law Enforcement. (Brought back memories from, "back in the day.") Thank you for showing tolerance for my stories past. I will always treasure our times together, especially when I tried to teach you phrases in Ukrainian. LOL :) In the military we use to say, "Shoot straight and watch your six". We will miss you, my friend. Stephen Kolodij

Josh and I were at the Shooter's Sport Center in Racine, WI. He had mentioned to me that he will be issued a Glock for his new position with Salem PD. He was familiar with but had not fired a Glock. So I let him use my Glock 21 in .45 ACP. He really enjoyed it. Not bad shooting for the first time! We had a lot of fun at the range, including some of his academy class mates. Stephen Kolodij

Both my family and I will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Josh will not only be missed by all of you, the community he served but by our "Blue Blood" family. God Bless you all and God Bless Josh......... God must have needed another Police Officer in Heaven!

I want to say that Josh was a very special person. I first met Josh in 2003 in Des Plaines at the Blockbuster video store. Josh worked their and I would go their all the time to rent movies. Josh was always so friendly and outgoing. Josh and I started to get to know each other for our love of movies. We also collected law enforcement patches from different police and federal agencies. Josh and I eventually talked about my job which was at the time U.S. Customs. Josh was always excited to see me and we talked for hours at blockbuster. He told me his desires to be a police officer and I offered him an opportunity to join out Customs Explorer post which he did! Josh was a busy young man at the time as he was also going to college and also attended Hoffman Estates explorer post as well as Customs explorer post. Josh and I would spend hours going from police department to police department collecting and trading patches. We also spent many night at the movies or setting at his parents Mike and Michelle's house watching a movie. Josh was so full of life and energy. It hurts so much to know that he is gone. I want Maggie and Mike and Michelle to know that I will always cherish the time Josh and I spent together. I am always and forever here for you all if you ever need me. With a sad and heavy heart Kenneth Edwards