Kurt Austin

When reflecting on the life of Kurt Austin, it is so easy to see that each day we are given is truly a gift. He was a hardworking man who gave everything his all, and he was willing to think outside the box if needed. A lifelong resident of his community, Kurt was well respected among everyone who knew him, and his strength and courage were such an inspiration. A loving husband and devoted father, he was selfless when it came to his family. An avid outdoorsman, Kurt lived each day to the fullest. Deeply loved, he will never be forgotten.

The 1980s were a decade to remember. Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Chicago were among the names in music while the Cosby Show and Family Ties gave us a new look at the average American family. We were introduced to the first car phones during this time, and with the VCR our lives were forever changed. Amidst this exciting time was a time of great anticipation in the lives of Joseph and Karen (Minnis) Austin as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the last days of summer held Fulton, Michigan, firmly in its grip in 1983. Their wait was over on August 28th when the baby boy they named Kurt William Alan drew his first breath in nearby Battle Creek. He was the older of two children as as he was raised in the family home alongside his sister, Kathy.

In many ways Kurt was a typical kid growing up. He was a Boy Scout, was very into soccer as a young boy, and as he got older he played football. Because of his father, Kurt became a gear head and loved working on cars. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed camping and hunting up North. As a student at local schools he attended both Vicksburg and Climax-Scotts Schools. He graduated from Climax-Scotts High School. Talented in many ways. Kurt played bass in a band.

New and exciting changes were in store for Kurt when he met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Amanda Tulla, and they met at the end of 2010 through some friends. They were soon living together, and they fully embraced one another’s children. Kurt had his three sons, Skylar, Trevor, and Parker Austin, that meant the world to him. And, Amanda brought her two children, Austin and Madison “Maddie,” into Kurt’s life. Kurt made a point to spend time with all the children and teach them some of his talents. He taught Maddie how to fish and Austin how to play the guitar and work on cars. With Skylar, Trevor and Parker, he taught them everything from hunting and fishing to taking things apart and fixing them. During a period when he was cleared of cancer, Kurt and Amanda were married on January 26, 2016.

The majority of Kurt’s working days were spent in the tree removal industry. He started out with various companies and even went to the East Coast to aid in hurricane relief. At times he did a few other odds and ends jobs, but in 2011 Kurt went into business for himself when he established Austin’s Tree and Stump Removal. He was a hard worker who was respected in his field, and he was always willing to do what was needed to provide for his family. In his time away from work Kurt enjoyed pursuing the things he loved, especially when he shared them with the ones he loved. His passion for the outdoors remained, and his favorite place to be was in the woods. Canoeing was a close second. A successful hunter and fisherman, he was great at cooking anything with venison or fish. Even just walking in the woods made Kurt happy.

With unending love for his family and friends, Kurt Austin was a blessing to everyone he met. He was loyal, dependable, and helpful with a spirit of generosity that was truly unmatched. Kurt was a loving family man who treasured each and every moment he spent with his family and friends. Laid back and passive, he was the sort of person who never let things get the best of him. Kurt could also be so funny at times, and his zest for life was contagious. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Kurt William Alan Austin, of Fulton passed away on Friday, November 18, 2016. Kurt’s family includes his wife, Amanda; three sons: Skylar, Trevor, and Parker Austin; two stepchildren: Austin and Madison; parents: Joe and Karen Austin, of Fulton; one sister: Kathy Austin and her daughter Isabella; and his grandmother: Phyllis Minnis, of Fulton. The family is planning a Memorial Service on Saturday, December 3rd at 1pm at the Wakeshma Community Church, 16732 East UV Ave, Fulton.

Please visit Kurt’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, sign the guestbook, share a memory and/or photo.