Joshua David Lehinger

Joshua Lehinger, aged 31, of Saint Paul, MN, passed away unexpectedly August 25th, 2026. He was sometimes a troubled young man, but he was always trying to grow and heal and live a kind life. He was devoted to his family and his friends. While he was an exceptionally bright man, his huge heart was his greatest attribute.

It was important to Josh to care for others. He had a soft spot for animals, and animals loved him back. As a teen he was known for bringing stray cats home to be cared for and adopted out.

He had a wonderful sense of humor, often a bit dark or sarcastic. He loved to read and read often. He loved Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars, and Star Trek; he enjoyed shows like South Park and Rick and Morty. He loved music and loved to sing.

He struggled with addiction but was living in sober housing when he passed, and was hopeful for the future.

He was born to Mary Lehinger, and raised by her sister, Jean Kingbird, whom he called Mom. Both of his mothers are devastated to lose him. He adored his aunts and uncles. his siblings, and all of his cousins. Nothing was more important to him than the bonds he formed with the people he loved. While he would wander off sometimes, he always reached out when he could.

He had so many rooting for him, and we are so proud of how resilient and determined he was, and how generous his heart was.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Lyle Lehinger.

He is survived by his mothers, Mary Lehinger and Jean Kingbird; his siblings Aaron, Sydney, Joey, and Maddox; his aunts Naomi Oldenburg and Sandra Ratliff, and his chosen uncles Eldon Koch and Greg Bernard, and by his grandmother Laurie Shaw.

His family are so deeply grateful to The Guild and Catholic Charities for their dedicated care.

Memorials will be announced at a later time.

In honor of his desire to help others, please consider donating in his name to Catholic Charities, where he was housed and loved, the Animal Humane Society, or the Trevor Project.