Joshua "Josh" Gorney

Joshua “Josh” Aden Gorney, 16, of Traverse City, lover of history and the “farm life,” passed away May 21, 2021. Joshua was born on August 8, 2004 to his birth parents Heather Jackomino Beatty and Russ Steinhoff Jr. at Munson Medical Center. He spent his life loving and honoring his mom and dad, Mary and Scott Gorney. He leaves behind his sister Victoria and brother Henry. His curiosity and thirst for knowledge well beyond his years was a driving factor in his love to learn, especially about history. For Josh, many a great road adventure with his dad had a historical destination in mind. He was upbeat, would strike up a conversation with a total stranger and leave with a new friendship. When things weren’t the best or he found it hard to find himself, Josh found solace in using his hair as an outlet. A little color here, or a little shave there, for after all, his mom said, “It’s just hair, it will grow back.” Josh’s pure of heart ways allowed him to really treasure and appreciate everything, even the random shiny or unusual item he found while on a walk. He was the keeper of all treasures, both big and small. Most of all, he treasured his family, his many friends and relationships he had begun to build with his birth father and birth mother. He loved to ride bikes, both pedal and motor, and enjoyed countless hours of exploration on the family farm. He would banter you about politics (Go Trump!), daydream about a bike track affectionally called “backwoods break” that he and his friends were building on the family farm or sit down, have a good one to one conversation and make you laugh. His kind gestures, his genuine care and support and love and his beautiful smile will be greatly missed. Josh is survived by his parents, Scott and Mary Gorney, his sister Victoria, brother Henry, grandparents Patricia Gorney (Traverse City), Ron and Nancy Ritsema (Ellsworth) and his birth parents. He leaves behind aunts and uncles Tim and Kristyn Drury (Huntington Woods), Al and Carol Drenth (Ellsworth) Jim and Katy Postmus (Atwood), Dwight Ritsema (Ellsworth) and cousins Jack and Emily Drury, Ashley and Tyler Drenth, Rachel, Noah, Luke and Seth Postmus. He now joins in heaven his Grandpa Bob Hood. Visitation will take place on Friday May 28th, 2021 at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A memorial service will take place Saturday May 29th, 2021 at Fellowship Church in Traverse City at 2:00pm with a visitation one hour prior. Pastor Jon Flikkema will lead the service. Those wishing an expression of sympathy may contribute in Josh’s honor to Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan, 3785 Veterans Drive, Traverse City, 49684; to Bethany Christian Services, 1055 Carriage Hill Dr. #2, Traverse City, 49686; or to Lieber Institute: dedicated to finding causes and cures for mental illness, addiction and other brain disorders at www.libd.org in honor of Joshua. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories of Josh with his family. And with a sigh of relief and a heart full once again, Josh will now “Go rest high on that mountain!” Josh and his family are being cared for by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Joshua "Josh" Gorney

August 8, 2004 - May 21, 2021