Austin Monusko

Austin Monusko, 19 of Johannesburg and Gaylord, passed away Sunday, September 9, 2018 in the Lansing area. Born in Petoskey on December 1, 1998, he was the beloved son of David and Nicolette (Sklarczyk) Monusko, and loyal brother to Collin and Brendan.

Austin attended Gaylord Community Schools and graduated from GHS in 2017.  As a dedicated scholar, he proudly participated in the first class to enroll and graduate from the Early College program, where he obtained an associate’s degree from North Central Michigan College.  While encouraged by his Crew of VIII buddies, Austin achieved one of his life time goals, of attending Michigan State University, enrolling in the Engineering Program.  While earning and saving for MSU, Austin nurtured his love of the outdoors, by working at Jays Sporting Goods, where he created many meaningful relationships with co-workers.

Austin loved winter, snowboarding, hunting, golfing, disc golf, range shooting and the art of re-loading. As an avid fitness and health nut, he was often found sweating at Power House Gym.  Taking pride in his appearance and punctuality, Austin was never without one of his swanky watches.

Austin’s essence of running with the wolves, was signified by his fondness of animals, especially blue eyed huskies.  Faith, family and friends were dear to his heart, followed by his driving force of ambition to accomplish goals.  A childhood passion, played with family and friends, was driving big tractors, imitating Grandpa and Uncle Don.  Austin’s dreams of combining his love of nature and tractors, became a reality once he was old enough to reach the pedals of Grandpa’s tractor.

Austin is survived by his mother, Nicolette; father, David (Elese); his brothers, Collin and Brendan; grandparents, Jacob and Nannette (Lovelace) Sklarczyk and Loretta (Richards) Monusko; uncles and aunts, Marty(Judy) Monusko, Danny (Jennifer) Monusko, Wayne (Marlene) Monusko, Jannette Rochette and Michael Sklarczyk; and many special cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by two cousins, Emily and Travis Monusko; his uncle, Mark Monusko, his grandfather, Kazmir Monusko Jr; great-grandparents, Michael and Theresa Sklarczyk, Jack and Evelynn Lovelace, Kazmir Sr and Josephine Monusko, and Sophie Richards.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE EVENTS:

Visitation will take place from 3:00 to 9:00 PM with a Vigil Service and a time of sharing at 7:00 PM, Friday, September 14, 2018 at St. Mary Cathedral. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 2:00 PM, Saturday, September 15, 2018 at St. Mary Cathedral where the family will visit with friends beginning at 1:00 PM until the time of services. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Those who wish to honor by a financial contribution, may make a gift to David or Nicolette Monusko for a future scholarship fund. Please mail contributions to the funeral home, P.O. Box 249, Gaylord, MI 49734. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com.