Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Visitation
August 16, 2026
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Union Community Church
402 3rd Street, Union, IA
Celebration of Life
August 17, 2026
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
BCLUW High School
610 E. Center Steet, Conrad, IA
Memorial Donations
- In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to his family. A memorial fund will be established.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to his family. A memorial fund will be established.
Joshua Jonathan Tack, 33, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from a UTV/ Automobile accident. He was born November 29, 1992, in San Diego, California, son of Jonathan Jay Tack and Lorelei Cara O’Brian (Tack). He graduated from Hudson High School in 2011, attended Central College in Pella, Iowa and finished his master’s degree in administration from Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
He married Blake Marie Ells on October 5, 2019, at Backbone State Park in Strawberry Point, Iowa.
Josh began his career at the Waterloo Community School District where he was a Special Education Teacher, a football coach and a track coach. He also brought Rugby to the Waterloo Schools and won the Rugby Iowa State Championship in 2019. His career path then took them to Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock School District where he taught Special Education and Physical Education. He also served as the assistant wrestling coach and varsity football coach. In 2023, he became the Jr./Sr. High School Principal at BCLUW. He and Blake attended Union Community Church.
If you knew, you knew. Josh was that guy who loved life, his family, good competition, his students, and colleagues. His greatest joy was his children-whether it was racing monster trucks on their 4-wheelers with them, teaching them to fish, working together on chores around the acreage, or simply being their dad. Those everyday moments with his children meant everything to him. He was the kind of person who made an impact wherever he went. He gave his whole heart to everything he did-to his family, his career, and his friendships. When he welcomed you into his life, he did so wholeheartedly and unconditionally. He was the rock of so many. He had a heart of gold, the biggest grin, the most contagious laugh and his own sense of humor which resonated with everything he did. If he had your back, you knew it. He could most often be found wearing a baseball hat, cut off t-shirt and shorts.
He is survived by his wife, Blake, and their children, Emmett, Quinn Tack, and a special baby on the way; his mom, Lorelei Tack of Hudson; and his dad, Jonathan (Rani) Tack of Hiawatha. He is also survived by his half brother, Bridger Tack; half sister, Christen Tack; his in-laws, Tim and Sarah Ells of Davenport; sister-in-law, Marissa (Alex) Mackenburg of Altoona; maternal grandmother, Celeste O’Brian of Hudson; and paternal grandmother, Marcene Tack of Wabash, Indiana; many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, coworkers, and students.
Josh is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Russell O’Brian and paternal grandfather, Elvin Tack.
Visitation will be 2:00-6:00 pm, Sunday, August 16, 2026 at Union Community Church, 402 3rd Street, Union, Iowa.
Celebration of Life Service
1:30 pm, Monday, August 17, 2026 at the BCLUW High School, 610 E. Center Street, Conrad
Burial
Hudson Cemetery, Hudson, Iowa
Lorelei,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
I pray that God will surround you with his peace, love and comfort in the days ahead.
Family,
I want you to know my thoughts and my most sincere prayers are for you. What a huge loss.
Lorelei and family,
Words cannot say how sorry we are for your loss. I hope that all the thoughts , prayers and memories will help comfort you in this time of sorrow.
❤️🙏
Prayers and sympathy go out to the Tack family
He was unselfish and always had a smile on his face. Just a great guy. He will be missed !
Lorelei and family,
There are no words for your loss. Know that you are in my prayers and thoughts at this very difficult time.
Millisa Tierney
My heart goes to you and your family. We are always here for you
Mike and Connie woosley
We are so very sorry for your loss.
He was an amazing guy
We will keep you and your family and all the lives he has touched in your thoughts and prayers
I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Mr. Tack, and he was a wonderful person.
Lorelei,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you and your family. I know there are no words that can make this any easier. Just know I’m thinking of you and sending you so many prayers for strength in the difficult times ahead.
To Blake and the rest of the family – I am so very sorry for your loss. There are no words that will take away the pain, but know that I am praying for you all daily. I pray that God wraps you in loving care and is with you in this time of grieving. My son was a junior when Josh became the principle at BCLUW. I only met Josh a few times, but each time was left with a positive impression of him. Rest in paradise Josh, watch over your family with the Father by your side. Keep them safe, and help them heal.
Lorelei,
My heart aches for you and your family. I don’t need to tell you what a very special person Josh was. I loved his enthusiasm and positive leadership. He always made everyone around him better. I was so happy he went into education because I knew the wonderful influence he would have on the young people he worked with. My prayers are with you and your family.
Lorelei and Family,
Wishing you peace and comfort as you navigate this difficult time. Our deepest condolences.
Bill and Tammie Mettlin
Oh Lori and family my heart breaks for you. Sending hugs and much love your way.
Lorelei, words can’t express the sorrow I feel for you and the family! This is a shocking loss for everyone Josh interacted with.
May God’s blessings, strength and love be with you all as you navigate through these difficult times! 💔
The Griffith family 🦋🙏🏻
Lorelei & Family
Sending you much love and keeping you in my prayers as you travel this heartbreaking journey. May the Good Lord, family & precious memories give you strength.
Our deepest condolences to the entire Tack family. Lorelei and Josh will always hold a special place in the Bill Colwell Ford family. We were fortunate to have Josh work with us, and we will always remember his smile, his kindness, and the joy he brought with him whenever he came through our doors. We are grateful to have known him.
Our hearts are with Lorelei, Josh’s family, friends, and all those who loved him during this incredibly difficult time.
Thoughts and prayers sent your way. I can’t imagine the loss you are all feeling. Lean on family and friends and cherish all the memories you have of Josh.
With our deepest sympathy, Erynn and family.
Our condolences to the families & friends. So sad, thoughts & prayers to all. Big Hugs Blake & kids. RIP Josh 💔
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort as you grieve and navigate the days ahead.
I extend my deepest sympathy to the Tack family. I was blessed to coach Josh in the throws at Central College. He brought a smile and positivity to practice daily and was a great teammate. May Josh rest in peace with God, our Heavenly Father, and may God bring your family peace and strength in the days ahead.