GLENWOOD, Minn. -- Hundreds traveled to Glenwood to pay respect to Deputy Josh Owen on Saturday morning.
One by one, fellow law enforcement filed into the Minnewaska High School Gymnasium to say farewell to Owen. A flag was draped over the 44-year-old's casket, while his wife Shannon and son Rylan stood nearby.
"Isn't it a blessing that this building can't even hold the love we have for Josh," said Pope County Chief Sheriff's Deputy Nathan Brecht.
Brecht paid tribute to Owen. The officer had been with the department since 2009. He recalled his distinctive laugh, his disdain for paperwork, and his love for the night shift.
"He's strong, his presence brought a sense of calm. You just felt like everything was gonna be OK when you were around Josh," Brecht said.
His platoon leader in the National Guard shared a similar sentiment. They spent 22 months deployed together.
"Josh was a hardworking, common-sense individual, understood the responsibilities of an NCO and brought plenty of experience to our team," said Lt. Col Jon Anderson.
Anderson told stories of his heroism. There were lighter moments, and a message to his family.
"There will be times you'll feel alone, times you feel cheated. But at those times, please remember this room, and all the people that are here, that are not just here to honor your father. They're here to support you and your mother as you transition life without your father," Anderson said.
A devoted husband and father, his family says he touched everyone he met, and acted selflessly in each encounter.
"It's so easy to be cynical in this day and age, and there were undoubtedly people who never came around. But Josh never stopped trying. Such a beautiful legacy he leaves us," said cousin Josh Palmateer.
A legacy many say they'll hold near and will carry on in his name.
"I'm going to remember Josh-o every time another dispatcher or coworker tells me that they love me and that I love them. I've decided that I'm going to do that from now on," Brecht said.
Deputy Owen's family said the outpouring of love will be remembered forever.
Funds have been been set up for Owen's family. Donations are being accepted through the LELS Benevolent Fund, the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police, as well as at any Wells Fargo location.
Thousands line streets of Glenwood for Deputy Josh Owen's funeral procession
There was an outpouring of support Saturday as a fallen Minnesota officer was laid to rest.
Pope County Deputy Josh Owen was killed last Saturday while responding to a domestic violence call in Cyrus.
Thousands lined the streets of Glenwood Saturday. The honor, respect and deep sense of loss was palpable, as the body of Deputy Owen was ceremoniously carried before his family, and those in blue.
"It never ceases to amaze me at all. Unfortunately, this is not [my] first, second, third one that I've ever been to," Eric Brooks said.
Widow of Josh Owen: "Losing Josh will never go away"
The widow of fallen Pope County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Owen issued a statement for the first time Thursday.
The deputy's cousin, Josh Palmateer, read the statement from Shannon Owen as she stood next to him holding a picture of her husband.
"I want to start by thanking everyone who has come out and supported Ryland and me over the past, few days," said Josh Palmateer, cousin."I've never received this much support for anything. This community is helping me in the moments, where very simply, I don't know what to do."
"Even through the tears and all the emotions I can still see Josh everywhere. In the pictures that decorate our fridge, in the firepit he built by hand, and in the neighborhood we call home."
Shannon says her husband was selfless and would help anyone. She talked about the whirlwind of emotions since he was killed. She says they've laughed at good memories and cried at others. But she's also angry that his life was cut short and that their son lost his father.
"Pray for the safety of our deputies and police. Continue to share Josh's story with each other. Share his legacy. In this way we can help his spirit last forever."
"It's a symbol of the life, the grief and the love"
It's been a whirlwind of a week for Uptown Florist in Glenwood. They've filled dozens of orders in honor of Owen, some coming from as far away as New York.
"We just feel our job is really important. Because it's a symbol of the life, the grief and the love," Uptown Florist owner Julie Llyod said.
The love for Owen radiates all over the town of Glenwood. Signs and flags are seen at the local bank, grocery store, fire department and beyond.
"A lot of businesses have been offering proceeds from their sales going to the family and it's just been really heartwarming to see everybody coming all together and just the community spirit," Lloyd said.
