Joshua Bales, age 28, of Brandon and formerly of Huron, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls after sustaining injuries from a motorcycle accident. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026 at Faith Alive Community Church in Huron. Military Honors will be conducted by the South Dakota Army National Guard Honors Team.

Visitation, with his family present, will be from 5-7 p.m., on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Welter Funeral Home in Huron. 

Joshua Bales was born on June 25, 1998 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He grew up in Huron attending Huron schools, graduating in 2016. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and went to Ft. Leonard Wood where he successfully completed training.

Josh lived in Brookings and worked at 3M for about a year; he then moved to De Smet and worked various jobs. During this time, he was still on active National Guard duty.

In 2021, he moved to Dell Rapids. Josh was on Covid Orders from 2020-2021 with the National Guard. He then started as a temporary technician at the UTES in April of 2023 and became a permanent employee in July 2023. During his military career he received several promotions. He was promoted to Sergeant E5 on March 30th, 2026. He was a graduate of Basic Leader Course-Commandments List in 2025. In the summer of 2025, Josh bought a home in Brandon, SD—which he was so proud of, and looked forward to filling it with a family someday.

Josh enjoyed life through many hobbies and interests. He loved spending time on the golf course and could often be found in the garage working on various projects or fixing up cars. In his quieter moments, Josh enjoyed reading and gaming. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family and making memories together.

He is survived by his parents, Scott and Christy Bales of Huron and Brandi and Dave Cleveland of Dell Rapids; siblings, Trayten Bales, Spencer (Nayeli) Bales, Vinny Bales, Charley Bales, Akira and Mason Cleveland; nieces Masyn Bales and Ivey Cleveland; grandparents, Kent and Elaine Bales, Rick and Susan Dufek, John and Kathy Shoultz; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; special friend, Nikki Berg.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents; cousin Brayden Remington; and uncles Johnny and Jimmy.