Paul Aust Jr.

More than anything, the life of Paul Aust, Jr. revolved around the family he loved and helping people through the passion he held for pharmacy work. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved having them visit. Paul found the greatest joy in having his family home to visit. A driving force in the lives of those he loved and touched, he will be deeply missed and long remembered in the hearts of many.

Paul's story began during the height of the Great Depression. By 1930, the average American income decreased by 40 percent. America fell even deeper into the depths of hardship as countless families continued to lose their jobs, their homes, and dreams for the future. Among these times of struggle, Paul G. and Katherine (Keil) Aust Sr. of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio felt exceptionally blessed when on August 18, 1930 they welcomed the birth of their second son, Paul G. Aust Jr.

Having enjoyed a typical childhood for the times, young Paul shared boyhood adventures with neighborhood friends. Like many children during the depression, Paul and his brother Richard took on multiple jobs at a young age, including a paper route and mowing lawns, to help with family expenses. At 12 and 13 years old the boys worked at Falls Recreation setting bowling pins for only 7 cents a game!

He grew up alongside his brothers Richard and John, and in the boys’ early teen years, sister Mary joined the family. Paul played football and graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School before serving his country in the United States Army.

He went on to pursue a higher education and graduated from Purdue University School of Pharmacy. With high ethical standards, Paul set out to pursue his career as an instrumental part of improving the health and well being of those entrusting him to their pharmaceutical care and needs. Along the way, love touched Paul's heart in a mighty way. He met a young lady named Joyce Stearns, and after a brief courtship, they were joined as husband and wife on June 15, 1957 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley, Illinois. After making a home together, they began a family of their own. Susan, Lori, Nancy, John, Todd and Heather truly made their lives complete. As a family they enjoyed fun-filled times together and took several memorable vacations over the years.

Paul's heartfelt passion was his love for pharmaceutical work. Well respected for his dedication, honesty and integrity in the field, he worked for several years at Johnson’s Pharmacy in Bradley, Illinois, and for 20 years at Ryan's Pharmacy in Kankakee, Illinois. As a Veteran himself, Paul was instrumental and served as an integral part of initiating the pharmacy at the Edward Hines Jr. Veteran's Home in Manteno, Illinois. For over 14 years he put his heart and soul into the pharmacy department there all while serving his fellow veterans with dignity in a responsible and ethical manner. He eventually retired in 2002.

With retirement came more time to spend with those he truly loved. He especially enjoyed every opportunity with his grandchildren, which usually meant a trip to the local Dairy Queen. When it came to sports and the like, Paul loved playing horseshoes, volleyball, and board games—Scrabble, Aggravation, and Dominos. A proud alumni and a passionate fan of the Purdue Boilermakers, and followed all of the university's sports.

Paul Aust Jr possessed a quiet strength grounded in faith. He faithfully attended Calvary Bible Church in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Well loved, he will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

At the age of 81, Paul G. Aust Jr., of Bourbonnais, IL, passed away Monday, April 16, 2012 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, IL. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Aust of Bourbonnais, IL; his children: Susan (Jeffrey) Mason of St. Charles, MO, Lori (Jim) Knight of Milan, MI, Nancy (Todd) Brammer of Kankakee, IL, John Aust of Hardeeville, SC, and Heather (Dan) Carruthers of Cincinnati, OH; a sister, Mary (John) Pinter of Ohio; brothers: Richard (Bobbie) Aust Sr. of Florida, and John Aust of Texas; his grandchildren: Shannon Knight, Scooter Kaminsky, Brittany Mason, Alex Carruthers, Aaron Knight, Mia Carruthers, Courtney Mason, Madison Aust, and Ava Carruthers; great-grandchildren: Austin and Mackenzie Knight; many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one son; Todd Matthew Aust.

A time of gathering will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2012 from 4-7 PM at Schreffler Life Story Funeral Homes-Kankakee Chapel and on Friday, April 20 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at Calvary Bible Church in Bourbonnais, IL followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery in Bourbonnais, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Calvary Bible Church in Bourbonnais, IL would be appreciated. To share a favorite memory and photo of Paul and to sign his online guest book, please visit www.schrefflerfuneralhomes.com.