Joshua ‘Josh’ Lloyd Soper
ESCANABA — Joshua “Josh” Lloyd Soper, 39, of Escanaba, passed away on Friday morning, February 16, 2024 after a very strong battle against colon cancer.
Born December 11, 1984 to Donald and Candy Soper of Cornell. Josh graduated from Escanaba high school in 2003. He worked at Billerud until his cancer diagnosis.
Josh started dating, Mikki, the love of his life June 19, 2011 and they married September 24, 2016.
He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was a huge Detroit Lions fan and was happy to see them win the NFC North Championship this year! In his younger years, he enjoyed ice racing and side by side riding. Being a “dog dad” and husband was what brought him so much joy on a daily basis.
Among survivors are his wife, Mikki of Escanaba; his dogs Zoey and Ruby; parents, Donald and Candy Soper; brother, Donny (Ashley) Soper; sister, Amanda (Dennis) Holsten; father and mother-in-law, Michael and Pam Richer; brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael Richer, Jr., Michelle Richer, Matt Richer, Misty Richer, Melissa (Michael) Peterson, Mandy Richer, Melanie Richer, Mark (Meghan) Richer, Monica (Ryan) Sundberg, Mitchell (Cassandra) Richer; nieces and nephews, Brayden Holsten, Gabe Sadler, Mason and Brody Soper, Austin and Dylan Perry, Liana Richer, Isabella and Ally Medina, Matthew and Allison Richer, Wesley Richer, Landon Stinespring, Cameron Peterson, Paige, Blake and Bennett Richer, Makhia and Bentley Foster, Michaela and Mason Richer, and Roman Richer; and many other loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his dogs, Lacey and Bella; his paternal grandparents, Michael and Elvera Soper; and maternal grandparents, Lloyd and Audrey Eliason.
Visitation will be on Thursday, February 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba.
The funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. with Pastor Scott Breault officiating. A luncheon will follow at the USW Union Hall at 1201 Sheridan Rd, Escanaba.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are respectfully requested to assist with funeral expenses and can be made directly by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net and using the Tribute Fund Tab.
The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.