Obituaries : Joshua Alan Breja

Joshua Alan Breja, 43, of Luzerne, IA passed away May 1, 2024 surrounded by family at his home; following a courageous battle with colon cancer.

Josh was born on Aug 19, 1980 to David and Mary (Parr) Breja in Cedar Rapids, IA. At the age of 2 he moved with his family from Brandon to Elberon and later to Keystone, where he graduated from Benton Community High School, class of 1998. He continued his education earning an AA degree from Kirkwood Community College. Josh worked at Atkins Lumber Yard before his career at Grainger Industrial where he worked for 18 years. Most recently he was in sales at First Supply.

On July 12, 2008 Josh married Christyn Marie Carnahan at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon, IA. Together they lived on the Parr family farm raising their two children Wyatt and Bailey.

Josh loved helping his father and grandfather on the farm, He started Breja Show Cattle in 2003 with his line of cattle and their genetics. You could always find Josh out walking thru his cattle where he was the most at peace. He was a respected cattleman who looked forward to visiting with other cattleman.

When Josh wasn't with his cows or fixing fence; he enjoyed football especially cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, coaching flag football, guns, and boating. Josh was a joy to be around, he was respectful and generous, giving all he had to family and friends.

Most of all Josh had a love for family; a devoted husband and father he cherished their time together. He was so proud of his children, instilling his values in them and giving them unwavering support in all they did.

Josh was a faithful member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Benton County Cattlemen's Association and 4-H.

He is survived by his wife, Christyn Breja; son, Wyatt (10); daughter Bailey (8); parents David and Mary of Keystone; sisters, Melissa (Jeff) Beuthien of Oskaloosa and Gabrielle (Devin) Van Wyk of Montezuma; parents-in-law, Brian and Denise Carnahan of Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law, Jenn (Jeremy Childers) Carnahan of Lakeville, MN; brother-in-law, Matt (Jen Barry) Carnahan of Palo; nieces, Kaitlyn Beuthien, Rebecca Beuthien, Makayla Beuthien, Adalyn Carnahan; and many more loving family and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Harold and Irene Parr, Charles and Elizabeth Breja, Don Beach and Gary Carnahan.

Thank you to everyone at Essence of Life Hospice, especially his nurse Jessica Rust. The kind and loving care they provided Josh in the final days of his life. We will forever be grateful.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Belle Plaine. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine.

Visitation is 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 7th at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine with a wake service to follow. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com

As Josh would say "It Is What It Is"