Sergeant Joshua Richard Schoof

November 16, 1997 - April 5, 2020

Sergeant Joshua Richard Schoof passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 5, 2020 at the young age of 22 years old in Fountain, Colorado. Joshua was born in Sopron, Hungary on November 16, 1997. He died an American Hero.

Joshua is lovingly remembered by his parents, Gina Schoof (Glen) and Mark Schoof (Dawn), his sister Jessica, his uncle Harry (Renea), his dear cousins River and Kennedy and his uncle Robert, as well as his maternal grandparents Don and Sharon.

Joshua joined the Army in June 2016 and went to boot camp in Fort Benning, GA.  From there he spent 3 years based in Fairbanks, Alaska.  He was recently transferred to Fort Carson, Colorado, 2nd Infantry Division, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Headquarters and Headquarters Company and was looking forward to this next chapter of his career.  He spent time training in Australia, the Philippines, Japan and California. To say he loved the army and all his brothers is an understatement. And even though he was a true warrior, he had the biggest heart you’ll ever know.

He was very ambitious and full of life.  Joshua was an extremely gifted musician. He was an awesome guitarist, singer, trombone and keyboard player. His enthusiasm and energy were always evident, and it was a joy for all to listen to him play.

We know that he is happy in heaven learning German with his Oma and hiking with his Opa.

If friends so desire donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project which was very close to Joshua’s heart.

No formal services are planned at this time. Josh will be cremated, and his ashes will be spread in all the places he loved as well as the places he dreamed of going to.  There will be a Celebration of Life announced at a future date.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Dennis Miller Apr 10, 2020 at 6:14 pm

    Ride on with those “shells angels”!
    It was a pleasure knowing you!
    So sad that you left us too soon!
    Thank you for your service!

  2. Ed Hordos Apr 10, 2020 at 6:36 pm

    I’d like to wish my sincere condolences to the whole Schoof family !!

  3. Jennifer Miner Apr 11, 2020 at 11:38 am

    Although I never had the privilege of meeting Joshua I feel as if he was one of my own children. My son Sgt. William Churchill and he were the best of friends. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolence to your whole family.

  4. The Lumgairs Apr 11, 2020 at 1:21 pm

    Our hearts go out to all that had the pleasure of knowing Joshua.

    Thoughts are with you during this very hard time.

    Sincerely,
    The Lumgairs

  5. Joe & Helen Rodriguez Apr 12, 2020 at 10:21 am

    We are heartbroken for your loss of this wonderful and special young man. May all your wonderful memories comfort you during this very sad time.
    Much love,

  6. Uncle Harry and Family Apr 12, 2020 at 11:05 am

    For my Nephew, Friend and Son, Josh.
    I sit here with my head in my hands and try to sort out the passing of my nephew – a son, a cousin a brother a friend and a brother in arms. Josh was more to my family than a nephew or a cousin – he was a son to me – a brother to my 2 girls – and the boy we didn’t have to my wife Renea.
    Early in Josh’s life geography and economics kept a distance between us but whenever a family vacation a visit or a trip to Disney World was planned you bet we would make up for lost time with laughs, fun and great talks. – he was always so happy to see us and the feeling was double on our end and it was always sad to say goodbye to him.
    As josh got older he would spend a lot of time in his room learning to play guitar and becoming truly musically gifted. He emerged from that room with such a talent more than musically, but by using his guitar as such a light of sunshine. When the party would start to fizzle down – Josh knew when to break out the guitar and bring life back to the night and all would be singing. He loved singing Simple kind of man” (Lynard Skynard) When people have a few drinks in them ,many song requests would come his way -He had such a gift of hearing the song once (you tube) and being able to piece it together and start playing it just to make everyone around happy. – truly a gift – He had the power to make the world smile.
    Josh and I would talk/argue often at length about the American gun laws vs the Canadian gun laws and after every discussion we would agree to stop and put it aside but he would always say “I love the way you see it “ although he completely disagreed with me – I always thought that was an extremely powerful way to end a debate /argument- he never took things like that personally -again a gift that we can all learn by.
    When Josh wanted to go into the army, I was so concerned for his well being and the fact that he could ultimately die being put in harms way. He was very certain that this is what he wanted to do and where his path was headed. I again was concerned but could see his passion. Josh over time would text me pictures and update me as to what he was doing from graduation in Georgia to being sent to Alaska and ultimately heading to Colorado. – you could see he was right where he wanted to be. When we would see each other, we would talk at length about army life – almost constantly. He would always talk in army acronyms and we would have to often stop him mid conversation and say what are we talking about ? Then he would go into his spiel again about strykers and a C. I. B. Badge (which he so desperately wanted) and then he would proudly show me slow motion videos of his army exercises in great detail and tell me of his incredible friends (brothers) in his unit. I asked him once if he would be scared if he got called into duty. He responded so calm and direct that he trusted his equipment and that his brothers would 100% have his back, there was no reason to be afraid. That was a real turning point for me and I knew , this is right where Josh wanted to be. When he was in my presence I proudly introduced him to friends -coworkers and anyone else that we would run into, that this was Josh Schoof my nephew and an American soldier.
    To say his passing leaves my family and I heart broken is a grand understatement -he is a hero to us , his memory will be forever engraved on our hearts and we were so lucky to have him touch our lives. We will miss you and we salute you my son.
    Uncle Harry, Aunt Renea , River and Kennedy

  7. Harry Schoof Apr 12, 2020 at 4:45 pm

    For my Nephew- Friend and Son, Josh.
    I sit here with my head in my hands and try to sort out the passing of my nephew – a son, a cousin a brother a friend and a brother in arms. Josh was more to my family than a nephew or a cousin – he was a son to me – a brother to my 2 girls – and the boy we didn’t have to my wife Renea.
    Early in Josh’s life geography and economics kept a distance between us but whenever a family vacation a visit or a trip to Disney World was planned you bet we would make up for lost time with laughs, fun and great talks. – he was always so happy to see us and the feeling was double on our end and it was always sad to say goodbye to him.
    As josh got older he would spend a lot of time in his room learning to play guitar and becoming truly musically gifted. He emerged from that room with such a talent more than musically, but by using his guitar as such a light of sunshine. When the party would start to fizzle down – Josh knew when to break out the guitar and bring life back to the night and all would be singing. He loved singing Simple kind of man” (Lynard Skynard) When people have a few drinks in them ,many requests come his way -He had such a gift of hearing the song once (you tube) and being able to piece it together and start playing it just to make everyone around happy. – truly a gift – He had the power to make the world smile.
    Josh and I would talk/argue often at length about the American gun laws vs the Canadian gun laws and after every discussion we would agree to stop and put it aside but he would always say “I love the way you see it “ although he completely disagreed with me – I always thought that was an extremely powerful way to end a debate /argument- he never took things like that personally -again a gift that we can all learn by.
    When Josh wanted to go into the army, I was so concerned for his well being and the fact that he could ultimately die being put in harms way. He was very certain that this is what he wanted to do and where his path was headed. I again was concerned but could see his passion. Josh over time would text me pictures and update me as to what he was doing from graduation in Georgia to being sent to Alaska and ultimately heading to Colorado. – you could see he was right where he wanted to be. When we would see each other, we would talk at length about army life – almost constantly. He would always talk in army acronyms and we would have to often stop him mid conversation and say what are we talking about ? Then he would go into his spiel again about strykers and a C. I. B. Badge (which he so desperately wanted) and then he would proudly show me slow motion videos of his army exercises in great detail and tell me of his incredible friends (brothers) in his unit. I asked him once if he would be scared if he got called into duty. He responded so calm and direct that he trusted his equipment and that his brothers would 100% have his back, there was no reason to be afraid. That was a real turning point for me and I knew , this is right where Josh wanted to be. When he was in my presence I proudly introduced him to friends -coworkers and anyone else that we would run into, that this was Josh Schoof my nephew and an American soldier.
    To say his passing leaves my family and I heart broken is a grand understatement -he is a hero to us , his memory will be forever engraved on our hearts and we were so lucky to have him touch our lives. We will miss you and we salute you my son.
    Uncle Harry, Aunt Renea , River and Kennedy

  8. Alvin Parent Apr 13, 2020 at 12:37 pm

    Alvin & Lesley Parent.

    There are no words that Lesley and I can use to express the sorrow and pain we feel for the loss of this wonderful young man and son.

  9. T. Faur Apr 14, 2020 at 9:29 pm

    I went to school with J. Schoof, I remember him as an JROTC student in my brigade at the time. He was kind hearted, and extremely motivated. A great student and jrotc cadet. It was a pleasure being able to know and be along side him. Rest easy soldier! Thank you for your service. I am sending my condolences and prayers to you family.

  10. Pat Edmunds Apr 14, 2020 at 9:55 pm

    Schoof,
    I remember when we first really started to get to know each other in Alaska even though we were in the same OSUT. You helped me become stronger and wiser even though I was older. I respected your dedication to everything you did and your loyalty to those that you committed your time to. I was hoping to serve alongside you again at some point but that will have till Vahalla my friend

  11. Jewells Bell Apr 14, 2020 at 10:05 pm

    My heart is heavy after hearing the news. I had spoken to Joshua not too long before his passing. My condolences to all his family and friends he will be missed greatly. We love you Schoof

  12. Ken Apr 14, 2020 at 10:05 pm

    Please accept our deepest condolences during this very difficult time!
    Ken & Stephanie OBrien

  13. Krista (Cousin) Apr 14, 2020 at 10:20 pm

    So sorry and sad of this tragedy to Josh. I loved his spirit in the short time of talking to him. Sincere condolences to. Gina,mark Jessica Sharon and Don. Along with friends and family,and bothers in the service❤️❤️.

  14. Scotty Birdwell Apr 14, 2020 at 10:41 pm

    R.I.P. and thanks for your service

  15. Koreen young Apr 14, 2020 at 11:22 pm

    Josh I will always remember your sweet and gentle heart, you will be missed by all. My condolences go out to all of his family. Gone to soon!!!

  16. A Comrade Apr 15, 2020 at 7:55 am

    When I got to Alaska, Josh was in the Company. He was always ready with a joke, an absolute singer of a one liner or a cascade of knowledge. From 2016-2019 when I left, at all the awards formations, he was constantly a participant for something that he’d accomplished or that he’d done well above and beyond the standard. His loss has been felt by everyone at the unit who knew him because of his attitude, his technical and tactical proficiency and because of just who was. You’re already missed Brother.

  17. Barbara Roller Apr 15, 2020 at 10:01 am

    I first met Josh when he was in high school. He and my granddaughter, both extremely talented musicians, were in marching band together and became close friends. Our family came to love Josh with his always ready smile and great sense of humor. We were so proud of him and his service in the Army. Our hearts are broken. Our deepest condolences to all of the Schoof family. Our prayers are with you.

  18. Alexis Tirado Apr 15, 2020 at 11:22 am

    Love you pop . I remember when you had just got to fort Wainwright and I drove you to the mortorpool and we were laughing about how silly things can get . I will miss you . Love you so much Schoof . God bless your family ,I know it ain’t easy .

  19. Larry wiley Apr 15, 2020 at 3:09 pm

    I had the pleasure of spending some time with Josh on several occasions. To say that I was impressed by him would be an understatement. Very polite, respectful and a definite asset to the Army and to humanity. There are few young men like him. A tragic loss. Rest In Peace Sarge and know that you were loved and will be sorely missed

  20. Deborah Alexander Apr 15, 2020 at 4:03 pm

    I so enjoyed having you as my student for 2 years in German class! I’ll never forget how I taught the class how to make Currywurst and you declared it to be your absolute favorite snack to make when you got home from school! A small but nice memory of you!

  21. Joel Apr 26, 2020 at 3:05 am

    My condolences to his family. He cheered me up in some dark mornings in his truck at Wainwright. He will be missed

  22. Nathan May 10, 2020 at 2:14 am

    This man. Was an absolute inspiration to me during basic training. Me, Sandlin, Sherman, Sylvester, Schoof and Russell were inseparable. We spoke of women, wives, liquor and beer.(and definitely dip.) We loved each other and we hoped that we would be stationed together forever. But, we weren’t last time I saw Schoof was the day we left Benning.. It may have been some years, but we spent 3 months sleeping on bunks next to each other, waiting for the end of basic. Schoof was a hopeful soldier that loved his profession and even more loved his friends. From day one I loved him, and knew this man would one day lead us all. Now I know he’s in charge of The Good Lords Army. Best soldier there is. We all know you’re up there commanding the Good Lords Soldiers. Love you brother. I miss you so much. Until Valhalla brother.

  23. Joel Scott May 26, 2020 at 12:27 am

    I served with him. He was a co.fort in dark days in the United States ARMY. He will be dearly missed. Until we all see Jesus. He was a good man

  24. J D Nov 11, 2020 at 7:16 pm

    I spent hours with this young man in the darkest hours of the unforgiving cold and darkness of the Alaska . It’s a unique thing to see a kid to turn into a man in their teens. I was in my 30s. I miss this kid. He definitely made his mark for the cause. Cheers, Brother.

  25. Waldo Jan 8, 2022 at 4:17 am

    The delineation of what we are and what he is. Cold dark moments in Tundra. There I was. And there he was. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Schoof. You will see him again. Of this I’m certain

Leave a Reply to Jennifer Miner