Joshua Charles Headlee

Josh Headlee, 49, of Stillwater, MN, passed away at his home on December 14, 2025, after a courageous one-month battle with cancer.

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Life and Career

Born December 8, 1976, in Brainerd, MN, Josh carried a lifelong love of learning and innovation. He began his professional career at the University of Minnesota Small Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where he helped develop an electronic medical records system. In 2003 he founded his first company, High Output Software, and in 2008 he established Accelerated Innovations. After selling Accelerated Innovations to VertexOne in 2024, Josh continued to work with VertexOne until his passing. He also served on the Anoka Technical College Foundation Board from 2013-2019, where he enjoyed meeting with students and making meaningful connections.

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Family and Home

On August 7, 2009, Josh married his wife, Korine. Together they built a life filled with family, friends, and adventure. In 2013 they found their dream property in Stillwater and discovered a shared love for the outdoors, spending countless hours hiking and exploring. One of Josh’s greatest joys was the annual trip to Mexico with Korine and his parents, a tradition he looked forward to each year. In February 2023 they adopted their dog, Walter, who quickly became Josh’s loyal companion and best buddy.

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Passions and Character

Josh’s passions were as diverse as they were inspiring. He loved customizing cars and motorcycles, cloning and cultivating gourmet mushrooms, and woodworking. With a brilliant mind and gifted hands, he could fix anything and approached every hobby with care and precision. Josh had an amazing sense of humor, a quick wit, and was a master of dad jokes. He cared deeply for those around him, treasured the company that he built, and always made sure to take care of the people who helped him grow it—treating them like family. His circle of friends was wide and his connections ran deep; anyone who knew him loved him.

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Survivors

He is survived by his loving wife, Korine, and his loyal companion Walter; his parents, Wayne and Linda Headlee; his brothers, Todd (Angela) Headlee and Mike (Angie) Headlee; beloved nieces, nephews, in‑laws, and many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

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Tribute

Josh will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature, his love for animals, and his gorgeous smile and dimples that could light up any room. He was a brilliant, generous, and wonderfully funny person—truly the best person anyone could ever meet. Words cannot fully describe the amazingly incredible person he was, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Josh wanted to go out with an epic party, which is in the works. Details about his celebration of life will be shared at a later date.