Remembering Josh Robert Abel: Beloved Husband, Father, and Friend

Josh was a proud husband and father. He loved his family deeply. He was also generous with his heart for others and for God.  

It will be easy to remember his quick wit; he was always ready to bring laughs but also his ability to discuss anything with unparalleled intelligence and nuance. He was a lifelong learner and skilled adventurer. You can close your eyes and see him driving the RV, hiking in a backpack, or smiling from the woods with his girls in his arms, a laptop, a hot cup of coffee, and his latest trinket in the background. 

That’s how Josh lived: with his family next to him, his responsibilities, interests, and adventures close at hand. 

He balanced pride and humility with grace, grit, and gratitude. He not only led and served his family with strength and bravery, but he also loved his country and community, serving fearlessly and honorably in the Army and through volunteer work with the Brooklyn Park Fire Department. 

Josh is survived by his wife, Sally, and their daughters, Zoe, Olive, and Luna.

He is also survived by his mother, Pam Rotzien Criego (Richard Criego); father, Daniel Abel (Jean Abel); stepfather, Robert Matson (Kathleen Matson); father-in-law, Bill Dvorak; and mother-in-law, Sheri Dvorak.

Josh’s life is further honored by his sisters: Shawna Sanford, Dominique Camamo, Nicole Matson, Ashley Matson, and Shelby Matson; his brother, Xavier Esparza; his sister-in-law, Meggan Dvorak, and Krissy Dvorak; and his brothers-in-law, John Dvorak, Cody Camamo, and Sam Hermanson.

He was also loved by his nieces: Bellah Dvorak, Eva Dvorak, Makayla Hop, Jasmine Hop, Ja’leigha Matthews, and Brielle Robinson; and his nephew, Cobi Abel.

He is remembered by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless families and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 5th, at Grace Fellowship Church, located at 8601 101st Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445. Visitation at 10:00 AM, lasting an hour. Service to begin at 11:00, followed by lunch. 

*Flowers can be delivered to Grace Fellowship Church between the hours of 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on Wednesday, February 4th, and prior to the service on Thursday morning, February 5th.

Memorial Contributions

For those who wish to support Sally and the girls during this difficult time, donations may be made through the family’s GoFundMe:

https://gofund.me/0e7dea122