Honoring
Joshua “Josh” Lane Ribbens

Joshua “Josh” Lane Ribbens, 46, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away on August 1, 2026. He was born on February 5, 1980, in Sioux Center, Iowa, to Larry and Paula Ribbens, and grew up in Orange City, Iowa.

From a young age, Josh loved spending time with friends, playing sports, and watching sports. He had a sarcastic sense of humor and balanced teasing his sisters while also being a fun and loyal big brother. 

Josh attended Orange City Christian School and Unity Christian High School before graduating from Dordt University with a degree in Business Administration. He went on to enjoy a career in the mortgage industry. He had a natural ability to connect with people wherever he went. He valued friendships from many areas of his life, including the lifelong friendships he made at Dordt, connections at work, and close neighbors.

Josh was a lifelong Denver Broncos fan. What began as a childhood love of the team continued throughout his adult life after moving to Colorado. He enjoyed attending Broncos games and met many friends through the Broncos community. He also loved fishing, especially the annual fishing tournament he shared with his college friends, a tradition he looked forward to each year.

During their marriage, Josh and Sara welcomed their two children, Lane and Lucy, who were the great joy of his life. He cherished the years they spent camping, exploring the mountains, and making memories with them. He was especially proud of Lane and Lucy and enjoyed watching them participate in their activities.

Josh’s life was not without struggle, particularly in his later years. Yet through every season, his faith remained a source of strength. His faith was nurtured from an early age through the example of his parents and grandparents and remained foundational in his life even during the deepest valleys of addiction. His family finds peace knowing that he is now fully restored in the presence of his Savior. 

Josh is survived by his children, Lane and Lucy of Allendale, MI; his father, Larry Ribbens and his wife, Cornelia of Pella, IA; his sisters, Shelly Wallenburg and her husband, Chris, and their children, Alivia, Cora, and Jude; and Becky Miedema and her husband, Nate, and their children, Bennett and Alex. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Paula Ribbens; his grandparents, Ted and Lois Ribbens, Alma and Marion Andringa, and Ivan Visser; and other loved ones.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church – 8301 Aurora Ave. Urbandale, IA 50322. 

The family requests donations in Josh’s memory to be directed to Orange City Christian School.