On November 20, 2023, Joshua Trevor Garrels was taken in the prime of his life to join his sister, Chelsie Garrels, his biggest fan and confidant. Josh was born to Trevor and Kristie Garrels on June 18, 1991, in Billings.
Before graduating from Butte High School, he began working in the motorsport industry at the age of 15 for Mark Leipheimer. It was then his passion for customer service began. Josh had a natural ability to understand his customers’ needs and continued his career in sales. He worked for Stacks, Beaverhead, and Redline Motorsports. Josh moved on to the automotive industry and was working for Butte Auto where he was recognized and sought after by many.
Instilled with a life-long love for the outdoors, Josh lived for adventure. He pushed every activity to the edge; his energy and intensity were infectious. Josh lived in the moment and touched the lives of many. Without a doubt, his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. When it came to helping others, Josh led the way; his friends knew they could always count on him.
His unmatched pace and enthusiasm could be seen in every aspect of his life. “Friends” and “family” were not just words, they were values he carried and cherished––always giving more than taking. Josh was a fierce friend, when you were with him you were living life to his fullest.
Josh’s biggest love and devotion was his son Ryder, who was the focus of his world. A committed father, Josh made it his sole purpose to give Ryder the best of life and expose him to the bounties of the outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, camping, or exploring the back roads on anything with a motor, Josh always found a way to have fun and grow their special relationship.
Josh is survived by his son, Ryder Joshua Garrels (age 4), his parents Trevor and Kristie Garrels, nephews, Wyatt and Morgan Garrels, grandparents, Lou and Alberta Lopez and Joyce Garrels. Along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 6 p.m. on December 4, at Front Street Station, 800 East Front St., Butte, with reception immediately following.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Josh.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Josh and his family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
6 p.m.
Monday December 4, 2023
Front Street Station
800 East Front St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
6 p.m.
Monday December 4, 2023
Front Street Station
800 East Front St.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Kim Mccarty says
You were a great person and great friend to our boys . I’m sorry that life is unfair. Prayers 🙏 for your family and friends
Mick Thompson says
Where to start my friend I have known you since you were a young kid, never forget the memories we made working together all them years!!! Sure was a fun race leaving work some night!!! Rest in Paradise my friend!! Save me a cold one up there!!!
Kayla Lutey says
I’m shell shocked over this! You were such a wonderful person and friend Josh! I’ll never forget doing dinner nights with chels and all the babes and seeing which one had to clean up the dinner mess. Also which one could finish the bottle of Malibu first 😂 I have so many great memories with you that I will hold onto forever! I hope you’re dancing up in that sky with chels! You’ll be deeply missed! I’ll see you again one day but till then watch over us all down here! May you RIP Josh! ❤️😇🫶
Jamie Vanisko says
Our thoughts and prayers are w Trevor Kristie , Ryder and all of the family . Jamie & Kanynn Vanisko
Kim Surman says
I REALLY DONT KNOW WHERE TO START! JOSH YOU WERE ONE OF THE BEST HONEST PEOPLE WE KNEW.MY HEART IS SHATTERED GOSH IF I KNEW SOMETHING WAS GONNA HAPPEN I WOULD HAVE KEPT YOU AT OUR DAYCARE FOR JUST A LITTLE LONGER! WE WILL MISS SEEING YOU DROP LIL MAN( RYDER)OFF TO DAYCARE AND PICKING HIM UP OR WHAT ABOUT A NEW CAR NOW UGH WERE BROKEN JOSH! I HOPE YOUR WITH YOUR SISTER WATCHING DOWN ON LIL MAN(RYDER) AND ALL OF YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS! THERES JUST SO MUCH TO SAY RIGHT NOW JOSH AS YOU WERE A WONDERFUL PERSON WITH A HUGE HEART THIS ONE IS GONNA BE A HARD ONE TO CARRY ON FROM ! WE WILL PRAY DAILY JOSH FOR UR RYDER AND BE HERE FOR HIM EVERYDAY AND REMING HIM WHAT A WONDERFUL FATHER HE HAD/ HAS! REST EASY BUDDY GONE TO SOON ,YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN
LOVE KIM & JODY
Trisha Kelly says
I came into this family 20 years ago. Met you when you were a 13 year old punk. =) Same age as Wyatt and Brock are now. Hard to believe but the years have gone so fast. You grew into a very genuine and kind young man and always gave the best hugs. Ryder (your mini-me) was lucky to have you as his dad. You were such an attentive and fun dad! I loved seeing the pictures and posts of you two on your adventures. I hope you and Chelsie watch over your mom, dad and the boys. You will be so missed. Rest in peace nephew.
Franki says
I cannot imagine the pain that this loss is for your family, please accept our condolences. I will forever miss your hugs and smile, no matter where we met you made sure to hug me. It was so special for you to be at the wedding. Thanks for always being your true self♥️
Derek Evans says
Such a sad loss to everybody who was lucky enough to have the privilege of having you in a part of our lives. Bro, you’re gone but you’ll never be forgotten! Until we meet again, love ya!
Kirk says
Josh you will be missed by so many, give your sis a hug from us as well. Kirk n marlisa
Stephanie Houston says
With tears in my eyes I am going to try and put into a few words how much I cared for you. You were the first person in Butte that was genuinely nice to me. Thank you! When my sister Kaci Shea died you were there for me. Thank you! Then not much later your sister died and we hung out a lot. Just you and I. Thank you! No matter what you were doing or who you were hanging out with. If I needed you. You dropped everything and you were there for me. Thank you! I will never forget the first New Year’s Ever after our sisters passed. We held each other on your couch. I remember waking up for a moment as fireworks went off. We made it into the New Year’s together and safe. Thank you for always being there for me! I hope that I was just as good a friend to you as you were to me! Till we meet again! I keep saying that there is a party going on up in Heaven and I’m just not invited yet. Please save me a seat Joshua! ❤️
Cherie Bilodeau says
Trevor and Kristie my heart breaks for you guys my thoughts and Prayers to all of you and to his lil man May God wrap his arms around you all.