Joshua Mueller

There are times in life when there are no easy answers. We make choices, learn from our mistakes, and do our best to right the wrongs. Most recently, life for Josh Mueller was about getting back on track, and he was really making some headway. A beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle, and friend, it was a joy to share Josh's company with his undeniable wit and likable ways. Deeply missed, the spirit of Josh lives on and will be remembered in the many memories he leaves behind.

Josh's story began at a time of mixed blessings in America. The year 1983 saw the U.S. unemployment rate climb to nearly 12 million while the recession left businesses and consumers alike vying for control. However, the year also overflowed with more minivans taking to the roads as Flashdance hit the airwaves and movie screens. Michael Jackson sung and danced his way onto the charts while the launch of Microsoft Word for computers played a large roll in the downfall of the typewriter. Although there was much taking place the world over, there was nothing more exciting to Lisa Mueller and her family than the November 26, 1983 birth of her little boy, Joshua Scott Mueller.

Born and raised in the Michigan city of Muskegon along the shores of Lake Michigan, Joshua's mother supported her young son working at Grand Haven Plastics. When Josh was nine months old, his mother married Mike Westover who took Josh on as his own. Their family of three soon grew to include Josh's younger brothers, Michael and Edward as well as his sister, Michelle. He was later joined by his youngest sister, Emma.

Having grown up on Old Grand Haven Road near the Muskegon Airport where his family made their home, Josh and his brothers found their share of mischief as kids. They were close growing up, but "all boy", they were quite a handful for their mom to keep in line. Like Ninja Warriors themselves, they were also into karate, Big Time Wrestling, and BMX bikes. They even built their own BMX dirt bike track on the old Hile School property, spending numerous hours there making lasting childhood memories. Josh was the type of kid who was always on the go and could never sit still. He tried all sorts of activities for a short while before moving on to something else. For a time he played little league baseball and took Karate lessons before finding his next adventure. During his youth and even as he grew older, Josh could play hacky sack better than anyone.

Josh and his family enjoyed fun filled camping trips during the summers. He liked fishing, along with skateboarding and riding their family snowmobiles. Josh especially loved spending time on Mona Lake at a houseboat some of his extended family members had. Many summer days were enjoyed there swimming, playing with friends and watching the annual Air Fair from the lake which was always a bonus. Throughout the years, Josh looked forward to family reunions held at Camp Emmanuel in Highland, Michigan where good times were shared by all.

In high school, Josh played football for a year, basketball the next, and even tried wrestling. After graduating from Mona Shores High School in 2002, Josh went on to join the U.S. Army. Stationed in New Jersey, he was trained as a medical technician for the 10th Mountain Division. Following the service, Josh returned home to Muskegon. He worked at various places through Manpower, and managed a fundraising call center for a time.

Always the life of the party, Josh was fun loving and his quick wit always added to great times. A friend of many, Josh was quite a likable guy, but soon found himself running with a rough crowd. He was in a bad relationship, and he also found himself in trouble with the law a time or two. Realizing where his future was headed, Josh vowed to turn himself around. He moved in with his mother, and for the last six months was making his greatest effort in getting his life in order. While searching for more stable, permanent work, Josh was doing various handyman jobs for people and was hoping for better things to come.

Josh was the ultimate neat freak. He liked everything in it's place and was quick to clean up after himself, which his mother truly appreciated about him. Always the music lover, Josh was an avid fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd. He also used his love for music in getting his life in order. He attended several area churches including Black Creek Bible Church and he also loved playing the drums in the praise bands. Josh was especially close to his sister, Emma, whom he called "Little Bear"

Eager to work, Josh wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty and did what he could to get by. Yet while working on a job on a typical Saturday afternoon, Josh was involved in an unfortunate accident when he was hit in the head by a board. No one realized how serious it was until the next day when Josh's brother found him in bed, having sadly died during the night.

The life of Joshua Mueller was truly just beginning. He spread his wings for a time only to return home to his roots, surrounded by those who treasured and believed in him. Josh was indeed getting his life together, and albeit small steps for the time being, he was making a concerted effort just the same. Taken from our embrace much too soon, the memory of Josh will always remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Mr. Joshua S. Mueller, age 30, died Sunday, July 20, 2014. Josh is survived by his mother, Lisa (Lee) Bush; stepfather, Mike Westover; brothers, Michael Westover, Edward Westover; sisters, Michelle (Ron) Bacon, Emma Bush; grandparents, Marilyn and Larry Bush, Jim and Bev Westover, Rene Mueller; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and nieces, Madelyn and Marissa.

SERVICE: Friday, July 25, 2014, 1:00 PM at Black Creek Bible Church with Rev. Lawrence Bush officiating. VISITATION: Thursday, 6-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or photo of Josh and to sign his online guest book. Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon.