Joshua "Billy" Wigham

PLEASE NOTE:

**THE VISITATION FOR JOSH WILL NOW BE HELD AT THE FUNERAL HOME IN PLAINVIEW, NOT IN EYOTA**

Joshua "Billy" Wigham, age 34, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 26th, at his home in rural Eyota, MN. Joshua William Wigham was born on March 16, 1990, to Doug & Toni Wigham. Josh attended Dover-Eyota High School, graduating in 2008. After graduation, he worked in various construction roles, including laborer, heavy equipment operator, exterior home remodeler, and snow plow extraordinaire.

Josh was a very loving and caring person who had many friends. His vibrant spirit lit up any room. He always loved a good night out on the town, especially when he could hit the dance floor – he was a total goofball there!  He found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially in the company of those he loved. In his younger years you could find him ripping it up on all sorts of power machines, skateboarding, hanging out with his friends; acting as a typical boy causing shenanigans and creating lasting memories.  During his time here, he enjoyed a variety of hobbies including hitting the golf course, spending time on the water, riding his Harley, cranking the tunes, traveling with family; really anything to do with action or adventure. Josh loved to make people smile, cracking jokes or making off-the-cuff comments. When he didn't receive the reaction he was hoping for, he would tell you, "Laugh at my jokes!" or "Tell me I'm funny!". Josh was an expert at dressing down, often sporting his old rugged clothing and crazy hair, or shirtless, but he loved the occasions which gave him a purpose to dress his best, often in a vibrant collared shirt and sporting his favorite shoes or cowboy boots.  Josh spent much time at his sister & brother-in-law’s farm where there was always a project he enjoyed helping them with. He also enjoyed riding in the Ranger, tinkering with his nephews on their dirt bikes, watching movies, and backroad drives during the summer looking for deer. He especially enjoyed spending time with his nephews. In Josh’s younger years, he enjoyed tearing up the yard on his dirt bike, but more recently he enjoyed helping his nephews do the same in their yard. Josh was often found in the shop at his home assisting his dad with various equipment maintenance duties, and especially enjoyed a good snow storm where he operated equipment, working closely with and mentoring his nephew Taylon. Josh had a knack for cooking, a trait he acquired from his mother. Sometimes, the dishes he made were interesting, to say the least, but he was always so proud and excited about his concoctions. He wouldn’t take no for an answer if he wanted you to try them. Whether it was spending quality time with his family, sharing laughs with friends, or embarking on adventures, Josh's presence was always cherished. Josh lived life full throttle, leaving behind a trail of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.

Despite grappling with addiction for several years, Josh recently found comfort and solace by attending Celebrate Recovery at Plainview Church of Christ. He greatly valued the support from his peers in the recovery group, considering them his friends. Josh yearned for a life of sobriety and fought hard for it, but sadly, he ultimately lost his battle. He would passionately urge anyone facing similar challenges to seek support.

Josh is survived by his parents, Doug and Toni Wigham both of Eyota; grandparents Irene (Bill) Smith of Hawthorne, Florida, Linda Kingsley of Eyota; sister Nicole (Josh) Axley and their children Taylon, Cannon and Layton of Elgin; along with aunts and uncles, Corey Kingsley, Mary (Chris) Musty, Jean (Bob) Thompson, Chuck (Cathy) Wigham, and cousins; Marlee, Makena, Chris, Dan, and Agatha. Josh is preceded in death by his grandparents William Wigham and David (Crockett) Kingsley. 

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 3rd, from 5-8 pm at Schad & Zabel Funeral Home (Eyota, MN) and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. The funeral service will be Thursday, April 4th, at 1 pm at Plainview Church of Christ (Plainview, MN) with Pastor Bob Blanshan officiating. A reception will follow the funeral service in the fellowship hall of the church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Josh’s life. There will be no graveside service. In lieu of flowers, if your heart desires, memorials can be directed to Plainview Church of Christ (memo: Celebrate Recovery). The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all those who helped Josh along his journey and to those who have supported the family during this difficult time.

Josh may be gone, but his spirit, laughter, and zest for life will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

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