Josh began making this world a better place when he was born on January 2, 1981 to his ever loving parents Jeff and Sue Brennan. Josh grew up in Eldridge and attended North Scott, graduating in 1999.
Josh married the love of his life, Sarah (Fanth) on June 29, 2012. Together they created a family with three beautiful and amazing children, Evelyn (5), Nora (5) and Sawyer (4). The sense of safety and security Josh provided as a husband and father was palpable and witnessed in every day simple moments. He always ensured his family was well nourished, treasured time with his children, and he was a solid foundation of love and comfort for his loving wife, Sarah. At the height of the pandemic Josh stayed at home to care for and protect his children.
Josh’s compassionate and kind nature reached outward beyond his home and was felt community wide. He was committed to social justice and serving marginalized populations throughout his life. He also dedicated himself to serving individuals with disabilities. Most recently, Josh worked for the Davenport Community School District coordinating the Transition Alliance Program at Mid City and North High School. There, he supported students with individualized education plans as they transitioned to work and life after graduation – a crucial time for many youths.
Among his greatest accomplishments of being a loving husband, dedicated father, incredible son, and hilarious and kind brother and uncle, he also proudly completed his bachelor’s degree in Communications at Western Illinois University in December 2020. Additionally, Josh proudly received recognition from Western for improving Community Quality of Life amidst the pandemic.
Josh was known by friends and family for his capacity to care deeply for the world around him, those he worked in service to, and indeed, those who were even strangers to him. Josh has continued his legacy of charitable giving and radical caring, even in death, by being an organ donor. Though his life ended too soon on March 2, 2022, his life will go on to be the nourishment and life force for many more individuals who were in need of a miracle. We honor that Josh was not just our rock, but a gift to the world.
Josh’s love will eternally live in the hearts of those he touched.
Josh is survived by his wife, Sarah, children, Evelyn, Nora, Sawyer; his parents Jeff and Sue Brennan, his sisters Kelly (Chad) Stiffer and Katie (Chris) Kuehn; Cat (Jerad) Parker, sister-in-law Carolyn Fanth, and brother-in-law Tommy McKinley. He leaves behind his nieces and nephews Cael, Matthew, Desirae, Steven, Rowan, Myla, and Declan, arriving in a few weeks. He was also loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A memorial service will be held 2:00pm Monday, March 7, 2022 at the Runge Mortuary & Crematory, Davenport, IA. A visitation will follow 3 – 7pm on Monday. In lieu of flowers, donations to support Josh’s family can be made the following ways:
● Cash/checks made out to Sarah Brennan
● Venmo: @FamilyofJoshBrennan
● Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-the-family-of-josh-brennan
Baba Booey!
