A photo of Jeff Monreal, owner and operator of Jeff Monreal Funeral Homes posing in a black suit with no background

Painesville Location

1000 Mentor Avenue Painesville, Ohio 44077

Willoughby Location

38001 Euclid Avenue Willoughby, Ohio 44094

Mentor Location

6330 Center Street Mentor, Ohio 44060

Joshua “Josh” “Knuch” Knuchel

11/20/1982 — 05/25/2018

A professional portrait photo of Joshua "Josh" "Knuch" Knuchel smiling and dressed in a black suit and tie

Joshua D. Knuchel, age 35, of Eastlake, passed away Friday, May, 25, 2018, at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born on November 20, 1982 in Painesville, Ohio.

Josh was a certified high School math teacher and loved to teach; being with kids made him happier than anything else. He worked and volunteered at church, in the schools, and in the community. He channeled his love of sports into managing, doing stats for, cheering on, and coaching kids in his community. He kept the books for the Eastlake North Bingo to make sure local students had financial help to play sports. He volunteered at church and at the Eastlake PAL center for many years. He loved photography, music, festivals, being with friends, and after his lung transplant in November was eager to try hiking, and wanted to take a road trip to visit friends this summer.

Joshua was known for his hard work, attention to detail, gentle humor, compassion and friendliness. Despite his struggles with cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and other difficult challenges, Joshua was known for his positive attitude and never wanted the attention to be on him. His work with youth, and the times he had with his niece and nephews were treasured times.

Joshua wished to be an organ donor, having been the recipient of a double lung transplant in November, so those wishes were honored, an extension of his life of giving.

His family has said, “As devastated as we are, we are so grateful for the blessing of who he was to each of us, and for the time we had to share. Words cannot express how deeply he will be missed.”

He is survived by his loving parents, David and Jodie (nee Hancock) Knuchel; beloved brother of Benjamin Knuchel and Elizabeth (Shawn) McPeak; devoted uncle of Tyler, Mikayla, Hayden and Logan McPeak; grandson of Nora and Allen Hancock, Nancy and the late Karl Knuchel; nephew and cousin of many.

Visitation will held 2-8 PM Friday, June 1, 2018 at Jeff Monreal Funeral Home, 6330 Center Street, Mentor. Funeral Mass 10 AM Saturday at Jeff Monreal Funeral Home.

Burial will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Chagrin Falls.

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49 Replies to “Joshua “Josh” “Knuch” Knuchel”

  1. Josh was great influence to all who knew him young and old. I was Greatful to see him a few months ago he still had great smile and very determine to keep on keeping on with life. I pray for comfort for his family. We won’t ever forget him and his footprint in my life.

    Reply

  2. Cheryl Velotta May 31, 2018 at 12:15 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. Josh was a great guy. I took care of him for years at Rainbow. He will be missed.

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  3. If you lived in Eastlake and went to a high school event Josh was there. If you were at a community event for the children Josh was there. He was always the smiling face looking your way. Always ready to give a hug and little conversation. Your gentle presence will be missed terribly but I know your spirit will still be walking beside us guiding us. Rest easy gentle soul.

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  4. sherri pongtornwatchakorn May 31, 2018 at 12:38 am

    He was a very nice young man.My daughter and her friends loved him at EPAL! He was a great helpand inspiration to tthose kids

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  5. G, GRAY RIDERS May 31, 2018 at 12:39 am

    OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY, JOSH WAS A GENTLE YOUNG MAN, MAY HE FLY HIGH WITH THE ANGELS.

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  6. Lori leinweber May 31, 2018 at 12:45 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss will Josh will be deepy missed by all. He was a loving kind soul

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  7. Gillian Lauver May 31, 2018 at 12:47 am

    As a former student I am deeply saddened at this news. Mr. Knuchel will be in my memory forever as an inspiration and fun personality.

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  8. Suzanne Person May 31, 2018 at 12:58 am

    Working with Jodie in business I have become to feel like not only an associate but a close friend of the family. I’m am so sorry for the loss of a wonderful young man in a loving family. God Bless.
    Suzanne, Denver, CO

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  9. I remember Mr. Knuchel from my time at North. Always such a sweet, gentle, caring, and compassionate person. My condolences to the family. Mr. Knuchel touched so many young peoples lives, may he Rest In Peace.

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  10. Pierre petrella jr May 31, 2018 at 1:42 am

    I knew Josh from North high school. He was a great man an a great friend to many. It breaks my heart to see someone with a good heart pass away.

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  11. Caitlin Wolff May 31, 2018 at 1:46 am

    amazing, funny, thoughtful, down right AMAZING. a person I remember in my childhood and teenage years. always there rooting me and all my sisters on at softball and keeping an eye of us at PAL and the dances..RIP josh — we all LOVED YOU, and will continue to!

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  12. Dr. Steven R Simandl May 31, 2018 at 2:38 am

    I loved seeing him for years at the softball fields. He loved everyone.

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  13. Charlotte (Fox) Zimmerman May 31, 2018 at 2:47 am

    I’m so sorry Jodi & David. You have my prayers & sympathy. God bless you and your family & friends. I pray the God of all peace will comfort you.

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  14. I can’t begin to say how sad I was to know of Josh’s passing. He gave so much to our society and he will be greatly remembered by many. Our dear Lord is holding Josh in his hands now, his pure soul in the beautiful kingdom of heaven.
    Love and prayers to all.
    Karyn Nowak

    Reply

  15. I am so sorry for your lose, I didn’t know him a whole lot but I always saw him in school socializing with everyone he could , I also would see him outside of school all the time like carnivals and sporting events. He will be deeply missed by me and a countless amount of people I know.

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  16. Your in my thoughts and prayers so sorry for your loss

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  17. Marcus Gondorcin May 31, 2018 at 9:00 am

    so sorry for your loss

    Reply

  18. Rachelle and George kraincic May 31, 2018 at 9:24 am

    I am so sorry I really loved him he was a great and kind kid sorry we won’t be there we will be on vaction I really wanted to be there for the family prayers for the family. The kraincics

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  19. Frank Magrans May 31, 2018 at 9:35 am

    My condolences to your family. I will miss you my brother but know that you are now soaring with the Angels. Rest easy Josh….

    Reply

  20. Bill & Renee' Slabe May 31, 2018 at 10:22 am

    It was with great sadness that we learned of Josh’s passing; please accept our heartfelt condolences. May our Heavenly Father comfort you in the days ahead. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

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  21. Mary Ann Federico May 31, 2018 at 11:37 am

    Although I did not know him….he seemed like a wonderful man! May he RIP and Condolences to those he left behind

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  22. It’s taking me some days to wrap this loss around my head. I’m filled with heartache disbelief anger n just why? Josh was a friend to everyone n anyone who met him instantly became his friend he was always upbeat always smiling or laughing n took time to be involved with the kids those were his priority showing up at dances n basketball games track meets n all sports to take pictures! He helped me with kids on a mission, club 56 n youth explosion! This young man was a special person even in his pain n trials he remained just Josh! He loved teaching n taking pictures n of course all the parties from graduation parties to bday parties you would see Josh. All the hayrides he helped me with n the songs we would sing! The sled riding adventures keeping the kids occupied on the bus! The best was the skits we practiced over n over with the kids in club 56 and the over nighters for New Years Eve at the church. Personally he became a friend of the family n sat many a summer evening at my boat dock with my kids n my mom n dad even my extended family n my friends knew Josh. I could go on n on n on but I’m being selfish as now He is with our Savior Jesus n he has no more pain n is breathing freely for the first time ever n I’m so happy for him! I pray for his dear family to find peace some how thru this loss and to hold on to that sweet smile that always remains in my memory! This is not goodbye but see u later as one day we will once again be together n until that day comes buddy you will be missed by so so many that loved u including me!

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  23. Bob and Betsy Herwerden May 31, 2018 at 11:58 am

    We are so sorry for your loss. Thankful for the love you shared with each other. Praying for you and the family in your loss of Josh.

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  24. It is obvious that his loving spirit will live forever!

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  25. Tiffany Tippen May 31, 2018 at 12:33 pm

    My deepest condolences are with your family in this hard time. I just wanted to say I am so grateful for having been able to know Josh and his loving personality. He will be greatly missed by everyone who got to know him but the world is indefinitely a better place for having been able to experience him and all he had to offer.

    Reply

  26. Alyssa Jeschelnig May 31, 2018 at 12:45 pm

    Ever since I’ve know him, he had always asked me how I was doing, how school was going and asked me how my at home life was. When ever he’d see my sister at the middle school dances, he’d talk to me about all the little things she was doing, and told me that he’d keep an eye on her.
    It was amazing to me how many faces Josh remembered, and how many people interacted with him. He always used to talk about how I fell up the bleachers at a volleyball game so many years ago, and always go a kick out of making me smile and laugh.
    I’ll miss him dearly, I couldn’t even consider him a teacher because of how kind, gental, and caring he was to everyone around him. He was a friend, and family to all of the students in the WE-Schools district. No one will ever forget him.

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  27. John & Lisa Dane May 31, 2018 at 1:12 pm

    Josh was an amazing friend who devoted his time, to the children in our schools, athletic programs, mentoring and teaching them. Not just in class but many students knew the value of Mr. Knuch when they were struggling in math classes. He broke down math to an understandable level and many were lucky to have him help them improve their grades. He was devoted to his family, adored his sisters children, everything about him was about love.He was not one to advertise his illnesses, he kept the information to a close group of friends. Even near the end he was excited to do things he had always wanted to do. He was always there to lend a hand, taking pictures, chaperoning events, helping maintain finances for sports, bingo, concessions, boosters. He had a huge heart, a wicked sense of humor, he would often call just to share a joke. I truly feel that we are all better people for having known him. Rest In Peace my dear friend, we will never forget how you touched our lives. Minions Forever!

    Reply

  28. Brytni DeFilippo May 31, 2018 at 1:18 pm

    I am,so sorry for your loss. I am,a,former student of Mr. Knuchel and he always made my day at school. He was and always will be the best Teacher ever. Ill try my best to be out there to see him one last time.
    Hugs to all.

    Reply

  29. Josh, was an inspiration. His “other centered” giving attitude was and will continue to be an incredible example for his students, friends and family. Josh’s legacy will include many things, including Love, Joy, Peace, Patienceand Unwavering Faith.

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  30. Josh was an inspiration. His giving attitude is an incredible example. His legacy will include many things including, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience and Unwavering Faith.

    Reply

  31. J Whitney miguTaylor May 31, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    My condolences, to the bereaved family. I don’t know what it’s like to lose a child. but I do know what it is to lose a love one. So I can imagine what you are going through. But I say to you keep the faith, knowing that God has a plan for everything, Be blessed.

    Reply

  32. Josh was an amazing friend who devoted his time, to the children in our schools, athletic programs, mentoring and teaching them. Not just in class but many students knew the value of Mr. Knuch when they were struggling in math classes. He broke down math to an understandable level and many were lucky to have him help them improve their grades. He was devoted to his family, adored his sisters children, everything about him was about love.He was not one to advertise his illnesses, he kept the information to a close group of friends. Even near the end he was excited to do things he had always wanted to do. He was always there to lend a hand, taking pictures, chaperoning events, helping maintain finances for sports, bingo, concessions, boosters. He had a huge heart, a wicked sense of humor, he would often call just to share a joke. I truly feel that we are all better people for having known him. Rest In Peace my dear friend, we will never forget how you touched our lives. Minions Forever!

    Reply

  33. Dr. Sam Elele May 31, 2018 at 3:18 pm

    My condolence to the family of Joshua knuchel.
    Even I don’t know him in person, but i have heard a lot of wonderful things about him, and this young man has touched a lot of people’s heart including me.
    I really admire his courageous heart.
    He is agreat and wonderful person, his family is lucky to have him in their lives, they should be proud of him, wish I know they all proud of him.
    Unfortunately, God loves him more,
    I pray may his soul rest in peace the peace.
    He is in good place now.

    May God be with his family and consoul their their hearts. Amen.

    Reply

  34. Dick and Leanne Bahnick May 31, 2018 at 6:11 pm

    So very sorry Jodie, Dave and all. Our love and prayers are with you

    Reply

  35. Dick and Leanne Bahnick May 31, 2018 at 6:12 pm

    Our prayers and sympathy are with you

    Reply

  36. He was the kindest person I have met. He was always there for the youth and always loved helping people. He always lit up your day when you saw him. He always made everyone smile. I send my condolences to the family.

    Reply

  37. Jennifer Newlands May 31, 2018 at 8:31 pm

    I went to high school with Josh and always remember him with a gentle smile on his face. Too good for this earth. So sorry to hear about his passing. Only the good die young. Rest In Peace.

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  38. My condolences. He taught all 3 of my 4 kids to play softball. He was so kind. He will be deeply missed.

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  39. Jodie has shared with me and Samuel her love and devotion for her son during the though time he was going through. All our sympathy for her and the whole family.

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  40. David and Jodie,
    I have no words. Josh was a great kid, and it sounds like he grew into an amazing young man. My prayers are with you all at this time.

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  41. Charley McGee May 31, 2018 at 11:09 pm

    My condolences go out to the friends, family and community of Joshua; as well as my prayers. Special prayers and well wishes to Jodie and her family.

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  42. Jessie Faigmane June 1, 2018 at 4:38 am

    May the Lord comfort yall in times like this.

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  43. I am thrilled to hear of how Josh lived life so well in the short time he had on this earth. You raised such an amazing son! His influence and inspiration will live on! He had more “living” than most people do to age 99! I cannot wait to meet up with him in heaven!

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  44. Josh lived across the street from me and Roberts Road he’s a very kind and gentle person I work with him at epal.
    You will be missed Josh..

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  45. I could never adequately describe my love and appreciation for Josh. He had such an incredible love for people and their well-being. His love for life was infectious, but it was never about him. He put so much of his time and energy into caring for others. I witnessed this first hand on many occasions during events at the church such as youth explosion and Vacation Bible School. He has had such a huge impact on this community and will be greatly missed. His constant smile and positive attitude was such an inspiration to everyone around him. His health issues NEVER held him back! He was always there to help serve others. I will always cherish our conversations about his love and concern for young people in our community. I love you Josh and look forward to spending eternity with you in Heaven.

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  46. Dean Morrison June 1, 2018 at 5:06 pm

    I knew Jeffrey in the halls to say “ hi knuch” and to say “hey”….always with a smile and a bright outlook…he will be missed.

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  47. I’m beyond heartbroken right now. Josh was one of the most genuine and kind hearted guys I have ever met. He always made me feel at home and genuinely cared about other people. I hope to someday be like him, where I don’t let my problems stop me from being a good person. Josh is an angel.

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  48. Karen Woodford June 2, 2018 at 11:40 am

    Ben, I’m so sad and sorry to hear of your loss. Much love to you and your family.

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  49. Still missing you every day, buddy.

    Reply

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