Josh A. McConnell

Josh McConnell of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. He was born on February 7, 1969, the eleventh child of Bob and Sally McConnell.

Josh was introduced to the sport of wrestling in fourth grade and excelled in it his entire youth. Due to his drive and determination, his wrestling career culminated with a second-place finish at the State Finals the year he graduated from Cambria-Friesland High School in 1987. This also earned him a scholarship for Northern Michigan University. Throughout his youth and young adulthood, Josh became an avid outdoorsman, hunting deer and pheasants and discovering his love of nature. Josh also enjoyed many years of fishing both on the ice and in open water, most often in the pursuit of the elusive muskie of which he caught many. Josh was also a passionate sports fan following his favorite Wisconsin teams: Bucks, Brewers, Badgers, and especially the Packers. Josh was united in marriage to Kathryn Lake on August 6, 1994. They were blessed with two wonderful boys Kyle and Brady. Josh was a compassionate and loving father. As his family grew up, Josh’s eyesight began to diminish. Instead of letting his loss of sight define him, he volunteered countless hours as a lunchtime and recess supervisor. He also worked as a paraprofessional at Kimberly High School helping special needs children. His kind soul knew no bounds. Josh was comfortable in any situation where his keen wit, infectious laugh, and great storytelling endeared him to anyone who met him.

As a beloved and cherished father, husband, and brother, Josh is survived by his wife Kate, two sons: Kyle (Karra) and Brady; sisters: Cathy McConnell (Karen), Kim McConnell (Joe),  Mary McConnell, Shawn McConnell (Myron); brothers: Tim McConnell (Michele), Jim McConnell (Kate), Matt McConnell (Diana), and Rob McConnell (Tracey); brothers-in-law: Brian Lake (Candy), Andy Lake (Laura), and Bob Lake (Melissa);  sisters-in-law: Beth Beyer (Tom) and Laurie Frisch (Mike); father-in-law Ray Lake; and mother-in-law Joyce Lake;  along with numerous nieces and nephews. Josh was preceded in death by his parents: Bob and Sally McConnell; sisters: Deb and Pamela McConnell; brother Tom McConnell; and brother-in-law Joe Steckbauer. Josh’s kindness, wonderful smile, incredible sense of humor, and especially his anaconda-like hugs will be missed dearly.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, N3972 Columbia Ave., Freedom. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. and will continue until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, consider contributing to a memorial fund that has been established in Josh’s name. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.