Joshua Michael Kriebel

JOSHUA MICHAEL KRIEBEL May 30th, 1991 ~ October 19th, 2023 New Heart Birthday March 24th, 2006-October 19th, 2023 Thursday, October 19th, 2023, 3:52pm, Joshua Michael Kriebel, spread his Heavenly wings, flying high up into the beautiful skies. He passed so peacefully, in his Kansas City home, with his family loving him. Josh was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on May 30th, 1991, to Arthur Leroy Kriebel Jr of Kansas City and Tammy Lee (Burkett) Waisley of Virginia. Josh was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, also referred to as DMD. Though he never let that stop him from being a kid and always pursuing his dreams. In 2006, only 14 years old, Josh spent a couple of months living at Pittsburgh Children's Hospital in heart failure. He needed a heart transplant but the hospital denied it due to him having a terminal disease. Thankfully, Josh took matters into his own hands! He wrote the team of doctors a letter, proclaiming why he deserved a new heart, as well as why he deserved to be treated as a “normal” human being. His words were so powerful, Josh won his fight. He was then added to the transplant list! Indebtedly, his Angel arrived. Though her life was deeply mourned, Helen was able to save Josh’s life. On March 24th, 2006, Helen’s heart was successfully received by Joshua. He was the 1st, documented as a success, Duchenne’s patient to successfully receive a heart transplant. In 2009, Joshua graduated from Northwestern High School in Albion, PA. He was very passionate and actively involved in wood-working, through a CAT program the school offered. In 2015, Josh moved from South Carolina to Kansas City, Missouri to be with his Dad. In December of 2016, Josh received his Associate in Arts degree from Maple Woods Community College. November 3rd, 2016, he was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. On May 11th, 2018, Joshua graduated with his Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He then continued at UMKC, pursuing his Master’s Degree in Family Counseling. Throughout the college years, Josh had always wanted to experience “Dorm Life”, as well as thriving to be independent. However, accessibility issues made it close to impossible. But Josh didn’t accept any excuses. UMKC worked with Josh to install an entire system in order for Josh and others to open doors and elevators without human assistance. Once completed, Josh moved into Oak Street Residence Hall, and on the 2nd floor in August of 2018!. He had the time of his life living on his own, finally! He stayed there through the full academic 2018/19 year, then into the summer of 2019. Unfortunately, mid-summer UMKC closed the Dorm buildings due to the spread of COVID. For the first time, the school was making huge efforts to allow students to continue their courses online. Josh gave it his absolute best, however, in addition to the challenges already faced daily, new health issues were arising. The type of Practicum Courses he was enrolled in, (specifically he was counseling actual people that volunteered for the UMKC Master’s program), required ultimate focus and a dedicated schedule. He ultimately made the selfless decision to with-draw for the sake of his clients needing consistency. He was just 6 credits short of receiving his Master’s Degree in Family Counseling.Josh’s living family members are, his Dad, Art Kriebel , Mother, Tammy (Burkett) Waisley, Step-Dad Dan Waisley. Sisters, Alicia Kriebel, Sierra Waisley, and Jessica Ryan. Brothers, Daniel M. Waisley, Tanner Waisley, and Kevin Amos. Josh had numerous Aunts and Uncles and was a proud Uncle to 7 nephews and one lucky niece. Just a few of Josh’s family members whom he’s with now; Aunt Tricia McAndrew, Step-Mom, Dawn Kriebel, Grandpa Arthur Leroy Kriebel Sr, Grandpa Ronald T, Waisley and an especially close childhood friend, Jake Feldmiller. To the Angel that allowed Josh an additional 17+ years of beautiful life, Helen Corontzes. Josh would want to say an extra special thank you to Lesa Corontzes, the amazing Mother of Helen. Josh may have been, ”disabled” by society's definition, however, Josh viewed life rather as a “Differently Abled'', human being. That was his “secret sauce” to figuring out his own ways of participating and/or accomplishing anything that came his way! He inspired countless numbers of people in his short 32 years on earth. His brave perseverance alone was enough to make a person drop their jaw in awe. Josh's always, positively glowing attitude, graciousness, kindness and so many more amazing qualities made him incredibly magical! Unique even in his creative thinking. He always found the silver lining to any obstacle life threw at him. It was definitely one of his super powers! He loved people, video games, crossbow hunting, music, and was very passionate about photography, politics, socializing, ice skating, and FOOTBALL. Yes I said ice skating! Josh was absolutely infatuated with football! His team, who he’s loved so passionately, is the Miami Dolphins. His brother Daniel asked him pretty recently, “If you didn’t have to ever think of money again and could do anything, what would you do?”. Josh told him he’d buy an accessible tour bus and follow the Miami Dolphins everywhere!” There was close to nothing that he was afraid of! In November 2003, Josh had the opportunity to participate in the “Hunt of a Lifetime”, which is a non-profit organization that helps kids with disabilities obtain their dreams! Josh crushed it! His amazing ability to focus and listen, prepared him to use his crossbow accurately and shot a 6 X 7 ELK from his wheelchair! In 2015, Josh’s dad took him to Game 1 of the World Series to witness our Royals epic win, at Kauffman/Royals Stadium. What a prideful, exciting experience that was for him! Josh’s last wish was to be an organ donor himself. His wish came true and he was able to pay it forward as they were able to use his tissue and his beautiful blue eyes. In lieu of flowers, Josh would have asked everyone to register as an organ donor and save/make a difference for many lives. Josh accomplished so much during his challenging years through his own perseverance. A Celebration of Life will be held in Kansas City,, on November 4th, at Harmony Vineyard Church, from 10am-2pm. There will be food and mingling, a slideshow, as well as an area for watching videos of Joshua, from 10a-12:30p. Starting at 12:30p, we will have an Open Mic Session for anyone that would like to pay tribute to Joshua. Lucinda, PA date still TBD. Harmony VIneyard Church 600 NE 46th St KC, MO, 64116

Joshua Michael Kriebel

May 30, 1991 - October 19, 2023