Joshua Randall Schmidtke

Joshua Randall Schmidtke passed away on June 3, 2026, in Cottage Grove MN.  Josh was born July 5, 1982, to Randy and Karla Schmidtke in Bemidji MN.  He grew up on the family hobby farm in Walker MN.  As a child, he enjoyed riding ponies with his sister, playing golf and T-ball, racing his go-cart, playing basketball in the haymow of the barn with his cousins, Nintendo and movies.  He attended school at Walker-Akeley-Hackensack.  He obtained his GED in Bemidji receiving his certificate at graduation from Dr. Neil Skogerboe who also was the physician who delivered him.  Josh then attended Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute.  He worked as a sous chef for several restaurants.  He then worked as an assistant manager and mechanic for Valvoline in the Twin Cities.  Josh’s last employment ended up being the job he told his family was the job he really was meant to do.  He worked as a dementia caregiver in people’s homes for Visiting Angels.  He expressed it was often the hardest job he ever had, but also the one that brought the most rewards. 

Those left to cherish his memory are  his wife Michelle Christensen, stepdaughters Taylor (Vue) Yang, Megan Lehmkuhl (Ben Jass), grandson Arlo Yang,  parents Randy and Karla Schmidtke,  sister Rachel (Terry) Groesbeck, nephew Shayne Groesbeck,  niece Abby Groesbeck, father and mother-in-law Robert and Jan Fleenor, many aunts, uncles, cousins and special foster child Amber Williams.

Josh was preceded in death by grandparents Ervin and Myra Schmidtke, Albert and Lola Rohweder, infant sister Amanda Schmidtke, beloved uncle and mentor Daniel Schmidtke and his infant child

Josh was a man of many talents and interests:   A chef, fisherman, Teacher, Mechanic, Historian, Storyteller, Caregiver and adventurer.  Those who knew him best will remember him most for the way he cared for others.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and brother whose generosity, patience and sense of humor touched countless lives.

As a father, Josh encouraged his girls to believe in themselves and embrace new challenges.  He shared his knowledge freely, teaching everything from cooking, fishing, driving, boating, and auto and home repair.  Many cherished memories were made in Walker, MN, his beloved hometown, that he turned into a home away from home for his family.

Josh had a gift for making people feel welcomed, valued and cared for, whether gathering loved ones around a meal, sharing a favorite movie, offering a helping hand or simply being present when it mattered most.  He created lasting connections wherever he went.

One of Josh’s greatest joys was being “Pop Pop”.  He treasured time with his grandson and took pride in being part of his everyday moments and milestones.  The love he had for Arlo was so evident to everyone who knew him.

Josh would often share his love for Jesus.  He would share a new scripture passage with his dad that Michelle had shared with him and discuss its meaning.  He once shared that they had just watched “The Chosen” for the fifth time but had learned something about God’s love that he hadn’t realized before.

Josh loved deeply:  His Lord Jesus, his family, his friends, his cats and the community of people he built around him throughout his life.  He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, unwavering support and memories that will be cherished forever. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Northern Peace Funeral Home on Friday, June 19th at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at 10:00 a.m.  There will be a luncheon and time for fellowship and sharing at Immanuel Lutheran Church following the graveside service.

Josh’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN.  Online condolences for the family may be left for the family at www.northernpeace.com

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