Josiah James Tholberg

Homer resident Josiah James Tholberg, 29, died Jan. 21, 2010, after a tragic accident at the job he loved.

A visitation will be held 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Peninsula Memorial Chapel, 5839 Kenai Spur Hwy., in Kenai. A funeral will be held 2 p.m. Friday at the Carol Bock Hall in The Ninilchik Fair Grounds in Ninilchik. Graveside services will follow the funeral services at the Ninilchik Cemetery. A gathering will follow at the Inlet View Bar in Ninilchik.

Mr. Tholberg was an equipment operator and mechanic for East Road Services in Homer. Joey was welding on a loader bucket when it rolled onto him and took his life. Co-workers and EMS tried to revive him, but his injuries were too severe. Joey had recently moved to Homer and was quick to make many friends, including his wife.

He was a friend to many throughout Alaska and Oregon. Joey was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding dirt bikes and snowmachines. Joey loved tearing into engines, getting dirty and drinking cold beer. Growing up in a small town like Ninilchik, Joey touched many lives. He was someone you could always count on for advice, from the seasoned local to the passerby. Joey was always willing to lend a helping hand. You may have never met Joey, but chances are if you were a resident of the greater Oil Well Road region of Ninilchik, at some point you most likely heard the mighty roar of Joey’s snowmachine or motorcycle rev by.

Joey’s personality was much the same, a giant roar for those that crossed him, a gentle whisper for those who loved him, and an even more humble word for those he felt he had wronged. His laugh was infectious as was his smile. Joey was known for his antics and his sense of humor; he was a joy to be around.

Joey’s last months in his life were filled with peace with a newlywed wife, a child on the way and a sense of love from all who surrounded him.

Joey is survived by his lovely bride Becky Tholberg and their unborn child, his endearing sisters, Jennifer Wardas, Alexis Lambert and Kassandra Statorrd, his inspired brother, Andrew Tholberg, his sweet step-mother, Linda Tholberg, his proud parents Susan Quick and Douglas Tholberg, and countless others who were a part of his extraordinary life.

His wife wrote, “One blink, one instant and you were gone. Too fast, too soon, too much for me to bear. Never again will you walk through our door. You are gone from this life, but you will never be gone from our hearts, every piece. God rest your soul dear Josiah, you will be missed.”

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Joey to Becky Brewer Tholberg at any AlaskaUSA Bank.

Arrangements made by Homer Funeral Home.