Joshu McDermott

Joshua “Josh” A. McDermott, 39 of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin was taken from this earthly life far too soon on May 30, 2025 of natural causes. He was born August 31, 1985 in Bloomington, Illinois, the cherished son of Dyanne Collins and Michael (Debbie) McDermott.

Josh graduated from LaFollette High School in 2004. Achieved his Associates Degree in accounting attending MATC and UW Platteville in 2008 and was pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in business administration from UW Whitewater.

Josh worked for Allstate Insurance Company in the claims unit for the last 10 years where his strong work ethic and skills led to his dream promotion to the Special Investigations Unit as a SIU Fraud Investigator. He was just finally starting to slow down on the job front as he was known to always have a part-time job, or two, going on in addition to his full-time job, some of his favorite ones were working the Badger games, Nitty Gritty, 1855 Saloon, and Off Broadway.

Josh was a sports fanatic. He became an avid Wisconsin sports fan as well as an avid sports expert (just ask anyone, lol!), he loved and defended them all, although sometimes was a bit annoyed with them from time to time, however. He was also the commissioner of the local Nitty Gritty football fantasy league and many hours/years were spent with drafts and following the teams with his friends. He played soccer from the age of 6 until high school where football was too tame for him, so rugby it was. He began bowling also at the age of 6 and that became a lifelong love/hate relationship that earned him a perfect 300 game and a considerable amount of “that was a perfect pocket ball” 299 games. He was the Secretary of his men’s rec league and his team were champions this year. He loved to play disc golf back in the day, and loved golfing with his dad and friends. He could be found snowmobiling or snowboarding in the winter. Josh was an avid on-line video game player, with a community of friends across the states who will greatly miss The_Prophecy.

One of Josh’s greatest loves was discovering Drum Corps. He was absolutely captivated when he saw his first show at 7 years old. He vowed right there that he was going to do that and sure enough, the summer he was 13 years old he tried out for Capital Sound Drums & Bugle Corps, that fall at 14 he starting marching and “officially” aged out 7 years later at 21 years old, but he became part of the instructional staff for Cap Sound until they folded 2 years later. He did something he absolutely loved, learned a few things too, traveled the US and Canada all summer long and made lifelong friends and cherished memories.

Josh spent almost his entire life calling Wisconsin home, a place he loved dearly. Josh was known for his generous spirit. He was someone you could always count on, who would give you the shirt off his back. He loved his family and friends and was fiercely loyal and what he was best known for. There are no words for how deeply he will be missed, but he will never, ever be forgotten. Our memories of Josh and how he touched our lives will last forever in our hearts.

Josh is survived by his: Sisters: Rachael McDermott, Rebecca (James) Lyke; Grandfather: Everett (Margaret Flaherty) Ellingson; Aunts: Cathy (Arnie) Spandet; Cathy (Mark) Goldberg; Uncles, David (Becky) Ellingson; Mark McDermott; Daniel (Sandy) Ellingson; Tom McDermott and several cousins.

Josh was preceded in death by: Grandmothers: Mina M Waldie; Phyllis (Wayne) Corbin; Grandfather: William McDermott; Uncle: Ken McDermott; Aunt: Mari Masching

A celebration of Life will be held on August 31, 2025 at The Nitty Gritty at 315 E Linnerud Dr, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

No memorials please, but his friends have set up a GoFundMe page on Josh’s Facebook page, also on Dyanne Collins page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-josh-mcdermotts-memory. If you wish to contribute, you may do so there with the family’s deepest heartfelt thanks.

A Mother’s Conversation with Her Son

I would give my life to have you back, said his mom, I know you would, said her son.

I cry each night for you, said his mom, and I catch all of your tears, said her son.

I pray for the day that I can see you again, said his mom, close your eyes and you can see me, said her son…

You are the first person who loved me, and you are the first person I loved.

You were always there when I needed you, and you always knew when I needed a hug.

I am here for you now, mom. In your heart and soul, I did not take your heart with me.

Instead, I left mine with you to hold. One day I will take your hand and lead you to paradise,

but until then my beautiful mother, when you want to see me, you only need to close your eyes…

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054