Friday in 56572 (2) Pete weeps, then cheers

First tears, then cheers
Excerpt from eulogy on Josh, from a classmate, Viking Elementary Kindergarten 1985.

"My friend Josh will not get to experience that when he returns to Pelican Rapids. Instead, tears and a gymnasium full of mourners will greet him. From my time spent growing up with him, I don’t think that’s necessarily what Josh would want.

Back in 9th grade we had an English teacher who made each of us give a speech about someone else, and at the end of that speech the person being spoke of would receive a standing ovation, because as Mr. Brown would say, “everyone deserves a standing ovation at least once in his life.” So my hope is that along with tears, we also say goodbye to Josh with cheers. Cheers for a celebration of his life, of his sacrifice, and for reminding all of us that heroes don’t always wear numbers on their uniforms. We're going to miss you more than you'll ever know Josh."