Help for Josh Schmanke's Family

We are setting up this Go Fund Me in memory of Josh Schmanke, who passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 27, 2023. Josh was days from turning 23 years old and had an incredibly bright future ahead of him. With such a sudden and devastating loss, many people are asking what they can do to help. We believe that helping cover the high costs associated with a funeral would alleviate one burden for Josh's family.

Josh was a special young man to all he met, and they loved him just the same. He was genuine, sweet, laid back, had a kind heart and felt like an old soul. He was developing an interest in travel and expressed curiosity about everything. But most of all, Josh was about family -- blood and chosen.

He loved his immediate family deeply and showed his true character during his Grampie's battle with terminal cancer in 2022. Josh put his family first -- prioritizing time with his grandparents, taking on projects around their property to ease their burden and helping provide daily care in those final weeks. He wanted nothing more than to deepen that family connection.

Introduced by his dad to racing, Josh experienced tremendous success as an NHRA junior dragster and won the Junior Series Championship in 2013 and 2016. He then made the leap to the adult dragster and truck racing series. At the tracks in Bremerton, Seattle, Yakima, Woodburn and beyond, Josh was a familiar and much-loved driver. Together, they spent nearly every weekend, April through September, with their cherished racing family.

Professionally, Josh was experiencing success as a welder with Zeigler's Welding. His quick mind and spatial skills made him a natural at welding projects. At Zeigler's, he forged close relationships with his co-workers and boss, all of whom also became part of Josh's family.

And of course, Josh's death has left a large hole in the heart of the South Bay community where he lived from age six forward.

We will miss Josh! If you wish to support his family, please consider making a donation. Thank you.