Joshua Michael Abplanalp

Joshua Michael Abplanalp lived life loud, full throttle, and straight from the heart. Born on June 5, 1996, in Ogden, Utah, to Steven and Chamen Abplanalp, Josh grew up in the rolling hills of Morgan, where his endless energy, mischievous smile, and wild sense of adventure were first unleashed on the world.

From an early age, Josh found joy in soccer, competing fiercely for Morgan High School. After graduating in 2014 he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Peru, Lima East. Peru never knew what hit it. After returning he continued his soccer journey at Western Wyoming Community College, where he perfected not only his footwork but the art of the “flop.” He earned more than a few yellow and red cards, but he wore each one like a badge of honor.

A certified adrenaline junkie, Josh lived for the next thrill—hunting, fishing, snowboarding, hiking, riding motorcycles, and snowmobiles. His twice-broken collarbone told the stories his grin always hinted at. He never backed down from a challenge, whether it was tracking elk in the backcountry or winning a late-night game of Settlers of Catan (often with a suspicious number of cards magically appearing from under the table or out of his pants).

Josh worked as a journeyman electrician with his Uncle Jake. When he wasn’t pulling wire you would often catch him pulling pranks. Whether making friends on a job site or in a duck blind, Josh had an uncanny ability to connect with everyone he met. If you shared his love of hunting, you were already halfway to being his best friend.

Josh married Emma Nathan in December 2019 at the Ogden temple. With the arrival of their two children Olive and Lincoln, Josh discovered his truest calling. He was never happier than when he had a little hand in his or one of them on his shoulders while surfing behind a boat. Whether they were doing DIY projects at Home Depot, skiing down a mountain, or dancing in the living room, Josh loved his children more than anything else in this world.

He was a father, a son, a brother, a friend, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin, a husband, and a force of nature. He gave the best hugs, the loudest laughs, and the kind of excitement that fills up a room and lingers long after the door has closed. Josh didn’t just live life, he chased it to the highest peaks. His legacy lives on in the lives of his children, the remembrance of his hunting stories, and the countless lives made brighter just by knowing him. He is deeply loved. He will be fiercely missed.

In lieu of flowers or donations we would ask that you spend time with someone you love, reach out to someone in need, or go hunting.

Services to celebrate Joshua’s life will be held on 4/26/2025 at 10:30 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints meetinghouse located at 5378 W Old Highway Road, Morgan, UT 84050. A graveside service will be held immediately after at the Mountain Green Cemetery.