Mankato, Minnesota - Joshua "Josh" Robert Downey, 52, of Mankato, passed away tragically on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato. Memorials to the family are preferred.

Josh was born on May 28, 1973, to John Downey and Suzanne Anderson Brimacomb. He graduated from Austin High School in 1991 and attended Riverland Community College, studying auto body work.

Josh was a man of many talents and interests. He worked for several years as a Parks Supervisor for Blue Earth County and was instrumental in the creation of Red Jacket Valley Park, transforming a gravel pit into a family-friendly nature retreat near Mankato. He enjoyed outdoor adventures, spending time in nature, and sharing projects with his children.

A lifelong learner and jack of all trades, Josh took a pilot's license class, was a trained volunteer firefighter, truck driver, heavy equipment operator, skilled carpenter, and even a bouncer! He loved working on trucks with his son, Jacob, and cooking with his daughter, Gracie. When working on projects, he often rocked out to DMX and classic rock tunes. His larger-than-life personality drew people to him, especially his nieces and nephews. Josh was also very proud of his Irish heritage.

Josh is survived by his daughter, Gracie; son, Jacob; his dog, Willy; father, John (Kelly) Downey; step-father, Jon Brimacomb; siblings, Melissa Downey, Christy (Scott) Rogne, Zachary Downey, Stephanie (Ty) Kennedy, Jeff Cochran, and Ashley (Mike) Hertle; grandmother, Phyllis Paulson; nieces and nephews, Tayha, Alana, Elizabeth, Madeline, Hunter, Madi, Caiden, Reilly, Dani, Tristan, Rauhan, Brooklyn, Kevin, Ryker, Izzy, Brielle; aunts, uncles and cousins; his best friend, Chuck; his girlfriend, Rosalyn and her two sons, Easton and Kyler; Gracie and Jacob's mom, Sarah and mother-in-law, Marilyn "Granny".

He was preceded in death by his mother, Suzanne Anderson Brimacomb, as well as grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews.