Joshua Ryan Stice was born June 26, 1987, in Keokuk, Iowa, to the late Gary Stice and Becky VanDenBroek. He passed away on 5/16/2025 in Vandalia, Missouri.

Josh was a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, soldier, and friend, who will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Josh was known for his infectious sense of humor and his profound sense of honor and duty to his country, family, and friends. Growing up in a small town, Warsaw, Illinois, he loved the outdoors. Fishing, sports, hanging with friends, and riding his bike all over town were some of his favorite things to do. He spent a lot of time at the coal docks on the Mississippi River, even though mom told him not to.

After graduation from Warsaw High School, Josh proudly answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the Army Reserves. He completed Basic Training in Oklahoma, then AIT training in Texas. He was deployed on two separate occasions to Iraq, demonstrating unwavering courage and dedication to his fellow soldiers and his nation. At the time of his passing, Josh held the distinguished rank of Staff Sergeant, a testament to his leadership and commitment to service. Josh was a mentor and friend to many of his fellow comrades.

Beyond his military service, Josh deeply enjoyed the outdoors where he found peace and contentment. He loved to fish and kayak, and the Vandalia Lake was his favorite spot. Josh had a traveling bone and loved to see new places, explore their historical value, and the various tastes of other cultures. Josh had a passion for animals and one of his favorite things to do with Gracie and his family was to go to the zoo. Josh had many pets through the years but his most precious were his rescue dogs, Bonnie and Clyde. They were dear to him and offered unwavering companionship and joy.

In addition to his military service, Josh worked various jobs throughout his life, including as a lifeguard in his teen years, and positions at Tone's Spices and most recently General Mills in Hannibal, MO.

While Josh had many admirable qualities, his greatest accomplishment and source of immense pride was his cherished daughter, Gracie. He adored her and embraced the role of fatherhood with boundless love and dedication.

Josh is survived by his beloved daughter, Gracie Stice of Canton, MO., his mother and step-dad, Becky and Will VanDenBroek of Prairie City, Iowa, his step-mom, Sherry Stice of Keokuk, Iowa; his brothers, Jason (Lindsey) Stice of Fairfield, Iowa; Zachary DeWitte of Altoona, Iowa; Alexander (Taryn) DeWitte of Newton, Iowa; step-brothers, Jesse VanDenBroek of Waukee, Iowa; Ryan (Christina) VanDenBroek of Waukee, Iowa; Alan Snyder and Jacob Snyder of Keokuk, Iowa; step-sister, Megan (Daniel) McCarty of Omaha, Nebraska; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Josh was preceded in death by his dad, Gary Stice, and grandparents; Lewis and Dorothy Jump, and Elmer and Mable Stice.

Visitation will be Friday May 23, 2025, from 6-8pm at Grace Alive Church in Prairie City, Iowa.

Funeral service with full military rites will be Saturday May 24, 2025, at 11am at Grace Alive Church in Prairie City, Iowa.

The burial will be at a later date in Vandalia, MO. Per his wishes.

His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Josh would want us to honor his memory by being available to Gracie at any time and embrace her with all the love and support that we can.