Joshua Steven Watson

Joshua Steven Watson, 36, passed away unexpectedly from a cardiac arrest on August 20, 2024, while planning his wedding with his fiancé Meera in Cancun, Mexico.  He was born February 26th, 1988, to Steve and Jane Watson in Cambridge, MN.

Josh grew up in Cambridge and graduated from Cambridge-Isanti High School in 2006. He continued his education at Concordia University in Moorhead and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Minor in Neuroscience. While studying at Concordia, he started the Neuroscience Club. He spent a summer studying abroad in Tanzania, Africa where he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.  Josh had a long and successful career working for Takeda Pharmaceuticals, saving lives one medication at a time.

During his lifetime, Josh completed a half marathon, enjoyed scuba diving, hiking, camping, taking his nieces and nephew on special weekend trips, and traveling the United States and the World. His travels brought him to Alaska, Germany, France, Belgium, New Orleans, and San Francisco with his parents and visits to Cozumel, Mexico with his entire family.  Josh had many more trips planned on his list.

He was a gifted, self-taught guitar player whose passion for music inspired him to share his talent with future generations by teaching young people how to play. He was also a talented woodworker making heirloom quality gifts for family and friends.

He was a master planner, always organizing events that brought people together. His meticulous attention to detail and creativity ensured that every occasion was memorable. He left a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to attend. Known for his incredible gift-giving abilities, Josh had a unique talent for finding the perfect present for everyone. Josh’s smile lit up the world around him. It was a smile that could turn a bad day into a good one, a smile that radiated warmth and kindness.

His real adventures began three years ago when he met Meera, the love of his life. Josh and Meera enjoyed trips to India, Dubai, Hawaii, and to numerous national and state parks. Together they resided in Eden Prairie in a home with their puppy, Guju.  The loving couple were set to be wed on August 30, 2024 and later a celebration in Cancun with their family and friends on February 1, 2025.

He was preceded in death by grandparents Ken and Elaine McMahon and Bob and Jeanne Watson; cousins Bill McMahon and Mary Bloomgren.

Josh is survived by his fiancé, Meera Patel; parents Steve and Jane Watson; sister Amanda (Keith) Swanson; nieces and nephew Navaeh, Angela and Gabriel; puppy Guju; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

At the time of his passing, Josh was the happiest and excited as he could ever be. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, joy, and celebration will live on in all of us.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association and the National Park Foundation. In honor of Josh’s love of the outdoors, his family intends to have a memorial bench placed in Jay Cooke State Park.

Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the Braham Event Center at 11:00 AM

followed by a Celebration of Life service at NOON with a luncheon to follow. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joshua Steven Watson, please visit our floral store.