Joshua David Anderson

Josh Anderson, 46, died peacefully at his home on Monday, October 26, 2026, from melanoma.

Josh was born in Iowa City, Iowa, on May 28, 1980, and lived the entirety of his childhood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. From an early age, he had a deep appreciation for the fine arts. During his elementary and middle school years, Josh performed with Theatre Cedar Rapids and the Cedar Rapids Follies. While attending Jefferson High School, he was heavily involved in band, orchestra, theatre, choir, and show choir. Through these programs, Josh was able to travel across the country to perform and compete at a national level.

Josh attended Iowa State from 1998-2002, often bragging about the nerdy trouble he would get into there. Josh's years at Iowa State made him a fervent, lifelong Cyclones fan. He attended countless Iowa State games and was a proud and vocal alum. Josh was so proud and excited that his son Dillon has decided to follow in his footsteps and become a Cyclone next fall. Josh graduated with degrees in MIS and Transportation Logistics from Iowa State and later completed his master's in Marketing from the University of Phoenix. He first put these degrees to use at Jacobson Logistics in 2003, then later moved to Pioneer, where he worked from 2007 to the present. Josh made a career of data analysis and most recently held the title of Data Solutions Engineer. While few of us could actually explain what Josh did at work, one thing is abundantly clear: he was exceptionally good at it, and it will not be the same without him.

If you knew Josh, you knew he was a perfectionist. You also knew that if he decided to pursue something, it would be done to the highest level possible. In everything he did, Josh held himself to the highest standard possible. If he took on a project, he went in 100%. Most notably, that included acquiring any gear necessary to complete the task at the mastery level. Whether it was photography, carpentry, lawn care, barbecuing, or camping, Josh would jump in as a novice and end up an expert.

Just as prominent as his perfectionism was his creativity and love for play. He loved movies and music. He loved creating magical memories for the people he cared about the most, especially the trips to Disney and Universal with his family. He had a dark sense of humor that got both him and his loved ones through some of the darkest days.

What brought Josh the most joy and pride was his family. Josh married the love of his life, Bridget Blair Anderson, on June 3, 2006. Together they had two children, Dillon, born in 2009, and Scarlett, born in 2012. As a family, they loved camping, traveling, and all things Disney and Marvel. Josh was Dillon and Scarlett's biggest fan. He never missed a school concert or activity. Even after becoming too ill to attend in person, he would stream Dillon's concerts and Scarlett's swim meets. Josh never missed an opportunity to talk about how proud he was of all that Dillon and Scarlett had already accomplished and what amazing young people they were. His love for his children, and his devotion and admiration of Bridget, will live on far past the too few years he was given here on Earth.

In addition to Bridget, Dillon and Scarlet, Josh is survived by his sister, Julie Wilford; his brother, Scott (Jill) Anderson; his mother-in-law, Michele Blair; his sister-in-law, Tina (Shawn) Coyle; his brother-in-law, Thomas (JoLynn) Blair; and ten nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Mary Pat Anderson; and his father-in-law, Chris Blair.

Josh's family wants to thank all of the friends and caregivers who have seen them through the last few months. A private memorial service is being planned; donations in Josh's honor can be made through the Reiman Gardens Fund for Excellence.