Josh “Hoss” Burns, 45, Boone, Iowa
BOONE, Iowa—Joshua Arthur Burns officially left the building on August 16, 2026, at the age of 45 – far too soon, and with plenty of stories still left to tell.
Born May 17, 1981, Josh spent 45 years mastering the fine arts of witty banter, questionable life choices, and refusing to read the instruction manual for pretty much anything. He had a quick wit, a loud laugh, and a personality that made it nearly impossible to forget him once you’d met him.
Josh was a man of strong opinions and even stronger passions. Above all else, he was a devoted champion of American Pit Bull Terriers. He loved his dogs fiercely and spent countless weekends traveling across the country to APBT dog shows, showing, advocating for, and celebrating the breed he loved so much.
When he wasn’t talking dogs, he could usually be found cheering on the Chicago Cubs, somehow maintaining the optimism required of a lifelong Cubs fan, or watching WWF wrestling. Stone Cold Steve Austin held a particularly special place in his heart, because apparently regular amounts of chaos simply weren’t enough.
Josh also had a legendary talent for sending text messages with absolutely no context, leaving the recipient to figure out what conversation they had apparently been having without their knowledge. He was funny, unpredictable, stubborn, loyal, and entirely himself. Life with Josh in it was rarely quiet, occasionally confusing, and never boring.
His death was sudden and far too soon. But the 45 years Josh was here were undeniably Josh – loud, funny, passionate, imperfect, fiercely loving, and filled with stories his family and friends will be telling for years to come.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lori; his father, Richard; his grandfather, Ralph; and his uncle, Danny. We’d like to think they were there to welcome him home—and that within five minutes, Josh already had everybody laughing.
He is survived by his sister Casey; brother Rusty; and nieces Lola and Charley. He also leaves behind his Uncle Barry; Uncle “Hammer” (Stephen); and a whole roster of loving cousins, including Amy, Heidi, Tyson, Kally, Marc, Stephanie, Malarie, and many others who will miss his humor, his presence, and all the wonderfully ridiculous things that made Josh, Josh.
A celebration of Josh’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, hug a pit bull, root for the Cubbies, send someone a completely context-free text message, and make them wonder what the hell you’re talking about.
Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone is helping the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left to Josh’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com
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