Major Joshua Wayne Kolden

Joshua Wayne Kolden was born June 23, 1982 in Morris, Minnesota and departed this life on April 13, 2021 at St. Luke’s East in Lee’s Summit, Missouri at the age of 38 years, 9 months and 27 days.

He was the son of David Wayne and Lisa Kolden, and Lori Ann and Rick Atkins.

Joshua spent his younger years in Huron, South Dakota before moving to Webster, South Dakota in 1990. He graduated from Webster High School in May of 2000. In December of 1999 while in his senior year of high school, Joshua enlisted into the Minnesota Army National Guard. After graduation, Joshua went to Basic Training, and then Advanced Individual Training, at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma to be qualified as a Cannon Crew member (13B). Joshua had proudly served his country for over 21 years at the time of his death. Josh also held a Baccalaureate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Missouri.

After Josh’s enlistment into the Army, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004-05 as a Field Artilleryman, conducting military police duty. Upon his return home, Josh earned his commission from the University of Central Missouri on 13 December 2008 as a Field Artillery Officer. Josh proudly served in many positions with the 1st Battalion, 129th Field Artillery Regiment, including Fire Direction Officer, Platoon Leader, Liaison Officer, Intelligence Officer and Commander of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 129th Field Artillery Regiment. In 2014, Josh was assigned as the Assistant Fire Support Officer for the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade where he deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve 2018-2019. Josh’s final assignment was with the 35th Infantry Division as the Deputy Air and Missile Defense Officer. Josh’s awards include Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with one silver oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with one bronze star device, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass and mobilization device, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Combat Action Badge.

Joshua moved to Pleasant Hill, Missouri in 2009. On February 14, 2014, Joshua was united in marriage with Christina Rae “Tina” Collins and they made their home in Pleasant Hill.

Joshua enjoyed camping, fishing, duck hunting, bowling and anything to do with sports. He often was the life of the party at any gathering with his goofy faces and funny jokes. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan and was a serious collector of sports memorabilia, especially of the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan.

Joshua was a loving and devoted husband to Tina and a wonderful father to their children. Husband was his favorite title, and he was always surprising his wife with flowers or her favorite coffee. He never missed an event for his kids, even when he was hundreds of miles away. He loved times when he could gather his entire family together and just enjoy being with all of them. Family was the most important thing to Josh, and he never hesitated to make the trek up to Minnesota or South Dakota to visit for a weekend. He was a trusted and loyal friend to his military family and friends. Josh was remembered by many as the “most giving and unselfish person” they knew.

Joshua was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Arnold and Betty Kolden, and grandfather, Doug Henderson; Maternal grandparents, Virgil and Geneve Jansen and grandfather, Wayne Atkins. He was also preceded by four uncles, Arnie, Brad, David, and Paul.

Joshua is survived by his wife and best friend, Tina (Collins) Kolden of their home; children, Justin David Kolden, Cailee Rae More, Chloe Ranae More and Vanessa Grace Kolden all of their home; his parents, David Wayne and Lisa Kolden of Chokio, Minnesota, and Lori Ann and Rick Atkins of Rapid City, South Dakota; two brothers, Benjamyn Atkins and Christopher Atkins both of Rapid City, South Dakota; one sister, Amy Kolden of Chokio, Minnesota; father-in-law, Darrell Collins of Clinton, Missouri; mother-in-law, Cheryl Ann Collins of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; grandmother, Mina Atkins of Tracy, Minnesota; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and many, many friends.

The family of Joshua Wayne Kolden will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 22, 2021 at the Wallace Funeral Home, Pleasant Hill, Missouri. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 23, 2021 with Chaplain Jeff Smith officiating. Casket Bearers will be Ben Atkins, Chris Atkins, Teddy Marley, Jeremy Kolden, Eric Kolden and Michael Kolden. Interment with Full Military Honors will be held at 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2021 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, Missouri. The family suggests contributions to Wounded Warrior Project and may be made online at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or may be left at the funeral home.

Masks and social distancing are requested.