Joshua Knisley, 19, Syracuse, left his loving family to be with the Lord on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015. Only God knows why his kind soul was taken so early in his life. God must have had better plans for our little angel.

Josh was born on April 21, 1995, in Goshen and was the proud son of Rhonda Bickel and Randy Knisley. He was the joy of their lives.

Josh had lived in this community his entire life. He attended Redeemer Lutheran School and Warsaw Christian School during his elementary years. And, Wawasee Junior High and Wawasee High School. While in high school, he participated in firefighter training, which he dearly loved. He always loved helping people. He had a kind and generous heart. He hoped to be a firefighter or police officer some day. In addition Josh was a very hard working young man. He worked at the Frog Restaurant for five years as a cook and occasionally helped work on the SS Lilly Pad Boat.

In addition to his love for his family, he had a passion for always wanting to help everyone. And, anyone how knew him, knew he had a heart of gold. He loved music, drag racing, Notre Dame football, fishing, skeet shooting, playing Xbox, and water sports. He loved all of the vacations he took with his family, and especially his Nana. They shared many vacations in Cancun Mexico, Florida and the Bahamas. He was the most wonderful son, nephew, cousin and grandson to whom he loved with all his heart and will be missed more that our hearts can bare.

Surviving are his mother, Rhonda Bickel and stepfather Garry Bickel, Syracuse; his father Randy “Roscoe” Knisley, Millersburg; his brother Travis Adamson and wife Heather, Goshen; his step brother Joel Bickel and wife Jordan, Jacksonville, Fla.; and his cousins Nathan Miller, Jordan Currie and Jadan Bonewitz. Also surviving are his aunts Michelle Miller, Heather Bonewitz and Uncle Bob Miller and grandmother Janet Atwater.

He was proceeded in death by his “Nana” Sonja Miller who he loved with all his heart. He is also survived by his dog “Tank,” who he loved like a son.

Calling will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Eastland Funeral Home 7458 E. CR 1000N, Syracuse. Funeral Services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. also at Eastland Funeral Home with Pastor Brad Cox officiating. Burial will be in Syracuse Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Breast Foundation in memory of his Nana.