LA CROSSE, WI — With Profound Sorrow, Community Mourns the Sudden Loss of Paramedic Josh Sendelbach
With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, the Gundersen Health System and the wider La Crosse community are mourning the sudden and unexpected passing of Josh Sendelbach, a deeply respected paramedic, beloved friend, and compassionate caregiver. News of Josh’s death has sent shockwaves through the healthcare and emergency services network, leaving behind not just the absence of a colleague, but the heartbreaking loss of a genuine light in the lives of all who had the privilege to know him.
For years, Josh served the people of La Crosse and the surrounding region with unwavering dedication, calm under pressure, and a rare gift for making people feel safe in their most vulnerable moments. As a frontline paramedic, he was more than just a first responder — he was often the first comforting face someone would see during a crisis, the steady hands that saved lives, and the reassuring voice that brought calm amid chaos. His work wasn’t just a job — it was a calling, one he fulfilled with remarkable skill, deep compassion, and quiet humility.
At Gundersen Health System, where Josh was a well-known and respected figure, colleagues are grieving the loss of a man who exemplified the values of service, empathy, and integrity. He wasn’t just admired for his professionalism — he was deeply loved for his kindness, his easy sense of humor, and his unwavering support for others. Josh had a way of lifting spirits, no matter how heavy the day had been. His laughter was contagious, his presence grounding.
Dr. Scott Rathgaber, CEO of Gundersen Health System, shared a brief statement:
“Josh was more than a valued member of our EMS team — he was a beloved part of our Gundersen family. His sudden passing leaves an immense void, both personally and professionally. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those who worked alongside him. His memory will remain a guiding light in our continued commitment to care.”
The loss of Josh has especially hit home among his fellow paramedics, EMTs, nurses, and physicians — those who stood beside him shift after shift, trusting his judgment, his heart, and his character. Many describe him as someone they aspired to be: calm under pressure, endlessly kind, and deeply human. His impact went far beyond the hospital walls and ambulance bays; he was known and cherished by many in the broader community, from patients and families to fellow emergency workers and neighborhood friends.
In the coming days, the community will come together to honor Josh’s memory. Plans are already underway for a memorial service, expected to draw people from across the region. Tributes have poured in on social media and local forums, each echoing a common refrain — Josh Sendelbach made a difference.
He made a difference in the lives he saved.
He made a difference in the colleagues he inspired.
And he made a lasting difference in the hearts of every person fortunate enough to have known him.
Josh is survived by loved ones who ask for privacy during this unimaginably difficult time. Gundersen Health System has made grief counseling resources available to all staff and community members affected by this tragedy.
As La Crosse mourns the loss of one of its everyday heroes, the legacy of Josh Sendelbach — his compassion, his courage, and his heart — will not be forgotten.
Rest easy, Josh. Your life was a light, and that light will continue to shine in all those you touched.
