Joshua Raymond Shelstad

On Tuesday March 7, Joshua Raymond Shelstad, loving son, passed away at the age of twenty-two.  He was born on March 31, 2000 in Tacoma, WA to Kevin Shelstad and Tonya Norman-Shelstad.  He grew up in Puyallup.  He attended Fruitland Elementary School, Aylen Jr. High School and graduated from Puyallup High School in June of 2018.  After graduation, he worked at Safeway in Puyallup.  In December 2021 he enlisted and proudly served in the United States Navy.  He was stationed in Pensacola, Florida until he returned home in March of this year.

Josh played the violin in Orchestra during Jr. High School.  He was an excellent marksman at a very young age, completing the Hunter’s Safety Course when he was just 10 years old.  He had a great love of the outdoors.  Nothing was off limits outside.  He loved riding go-carts, quads, motorcycles and sea-doo’s.  He loved camping and fishing with family and friends growing up.  Josh and his best friend Niko, spent countless hours in DeCoursey Park during his teenage years hiking the many trails.  He loved all animals, dogs, cats and especially frogs.  He never met a frog he didn’t like.

Josh is survived by his father Kevin Shelstad (Gina), mother Tonya Norman-Shelstad (Jason), maternal grandmother Raean deBoer, Uncles Kim Shelstad (Janet), Travis Norman, Cliff Reichel (Betty), Aunts Dawn Watts (Terry), Luanne Lundberg (Richard), cousins Andy and Emily Shelstad, Donavon and Devon Watts,  MaryAnn ­­Steinkrauss (Matt), Nick Lundberg (Joni), and Eli Lundberg. He also leaves behind his best friend Niko Salesky and lifelong friend Savannah McVittie.  He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Gordon and Claire Shelstad, maternal grandfather Dale Norman, stepfather Luke deBore and Uncle Keith Norman.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday April 1, 2023, 1 p.m. at Station House 726,  located at 427 Meridian  Puyallup, WA  98371.  Those attending the memorial, please wear teal.  This was Josh’s favorite color.

In lieu of giving flowers, the family is asking those who are able to instead make a donation in remembrance of Josh to the Puyallup Parks Department or any Drug Assistance or Treatment Program in their area.