Joshua Lee Whittacre-Cerda (47) sadly passed away after suffering a stroke on March 6, 2026, surrounded by his children and family. He was born May 14, 1978, in Reseda, California, to Maxine Whittacre and Jose Cerda. Joshua moved to Burley, Idaho, where he eventually met and then married his first wife, Krystal Kelso (Stringer), on February 2, 2002. During their marriage, he welcomed his only sons, Ashton Lee Whittacre-Cerda (23) and Avion Whittacre-Cerda (21). They later divorced, and he moved to Idaho Falls, where he met and married his second wife, Stephanie Hottel, on October 28, 2008. During their marriage, he welcomed three beautiful daughters, Maddison Cerda (18), Kailynne Cerda (16), and Jaydyn Cerda (9). They later separated, and during that separation, he welcomed his fourth and final daughter, Maxine (3), from another. He named her after his late mother to honor her. Shortly before his passing, he had kindled a romantic relationship with longtime friend Tiffany Quanstrum. 

Joshua was a die-hard Raiders fan; win or lose, he didn’t care. He loved spending time with his kids and grandkids. He especially loved nights with his kids, making dinner and playing video games when his boys were there. He got to create a special bond with each of his grandchildren, especially his first granddaughter, Thea Lee Whittacre-Cerda. He had just gotten a sleepover, finally, the night before his stroke. That morning, his final photo with his granddaughter was taken before he suffered a massive stroke. Josh got to know and love his first grandson, Oliver (4), and loved his little ladies: Sativa(3) and Annie (2). He loved his grandbabies, that’s for sure! He was definitely a very proud father and papa. Josh would be so proud of his oldest son, Ashton, for being the man he stepped up to be for his siblings during this time. His son, Avion, shared a deep bond with his dad that could never be broken, and his dad's guidance in navigating being a first-time father was easily done cause they shared a home with a basement apartment. This year, his oldest daughter, Maddie, will graduate from High School, which Joshua was extremely proud and excited to attend. His presence there will be horribly missed and most definitely felt. He was very proud of Maddie. His daughter Kailynne showed true bravery while facing this devastating loss and being there for her siblings. Josh would be proud of how she handled it. JJ (Jaydyn) was the keeper of his stars. He loved her very much. That is one thing that no one could ever say: Josh didn’t love his kids because he most definitely loved his kids and grandchildren. 

He is going to be deeply missed by each of them terribly. His memory will not die with him; it will live forever in the hearts of those he loved the most. His sons honored his wishes to be an organ donor, but due to the failure of his organs so quickly, the only organ that they were able to donate was his corneas. Joshua was able to give sight to someone as his final request. May his eyes always see the beauty in each and every day. Rest easy, old man, we’ve got this.

He has survived by his sons: Ashton Whittacre-Cerda (Sierra) and Avion Whittacre-Cerda (Yuli); his daughters: Maddison Cerda, Kailynne Cerda (Lee), Jaydyn Cerda, and Maxine Cerda; his grandson, Oliver; his granddaughters: Thea, Sativa, and Annie; his only cousin who he loved as his sister, Thyra Jensen (James) and her children: Alisha, Christopher, and Tabitha; and his girlfriend, Tiffany Quanstrum.

He has proceeded in death by his mother, Maxine Whittacre, his grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.

His children ask that instead of sending flowers, donate that money to his cremation costs and final expenses. A GoFundMe account has been set up. https://gofund.me/674da1ad8. 

A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 p.m., on his birthday, May 14, 2026, at Freeman Park. Please bring your stories, memories, and laughs to share with the family and friends.