Joshua Alan Prentice

Josh Prentice, 53, of rural Belgrade, passed away on November 27, 2025, at his home. A burial service and celebration of his life will take place at a later date. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in New London. www.hafh.org Joshua Alan Prentice was born June 27, 1972, in Windom, MN, to Jeris (Christensen) Van Den Berge and Larry Prentice. Soon after his birth, the family moved to west-central Minnesota, where he was raised on a 60-acre farm in rural Hawick. From an early age, Josh worked alongside his dad, tending to livestock and cultivating what would become a lifelong career with Prentice Trucking & Excavating of New London. He spent thousands of hours behind the wheel of a red Mack dump truck, hauling gravel across Minnesota and beyond, and countless other hours working in the office and gravel pits. When his boots weren’t covered in manure or dust, they were plastered with blades of grass. He loved to mow, and his lawn and property were as meticulous as his house. He was also a great cook who made the best beef stew, chili, roasts, hotdish, and other suppers. Josh attended Zion-Irving Lutheran Church in rural Paynesville and was a member of the Paynesville High School Class of 1990. In his youth, he also worked on a neighboring dairy farm owned by Ronald and Doreen Thorson, who were like family to him. After high school, he took over his grandparents’ farm south of Belgrade, where he raised his family. Family meant everything to Josh. His daughter, two sons, four granddaughters, and two grandsons were his pride and joy. Kids adored him, and, of course, his stash of candy. Josh was soft-spoken and introverted, but he loved big. He didn’t always say the word, but you never doubted it for a second. He lived out his faith through acts of service and kindness for people from all walks of life, especially those who were going through a tough time. His quick wit and sense of humor were as ever–present as his Wrangler jeans, western shirt, and ball cap. He will be remembered as the world’s best dad, papa, and big brother; a selfless, caring, and honest person; and our umbrella through all the storms. Josh is survived by his daughter, Ashley (Jordan Bouwman) of Belgrade; sons, Aaron Prentice (Erin) of Atwater and Austin Prentice (Ashtynne) of Hawick; grandchildren, Logan, Noah, Miles, Brynlee, Harper, and Brielle; brother, James Prentice of Belgrade; sisters, Ellarry Prentice of Sauk Rapids and Mary Jo Lamb of Hector; along with several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; mother, Jeris Van Den Berg, in 2007; father, Larry Prentice, in 2019; and stepfather, Stan Van Den Berg, in 2017. In lieu of flowers, take a drive down a country road, help someone in need, play a country song, cook a good supper in the Crockpot, wear cowboy boots, and always tell the truth.

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