Austin James Jonatzke

Austin James Jonatzke, 24, of Stevensville, died unexpectedly on July 2, 2017, when he lost his courageous battle to addiction. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10 AM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with a grave side service immediately following at Spring Run Cemetery in Royalton Township. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, June 6, 2017 from 5 PM until 8 PM at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to Families Against Narcotics-Southwestern Michigan Chapter 6384 Will Brook Drive Kalamazoo, MI 49048. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Austin was born on May 13, 1993, and grew up in St. Joseph, Michigan, where he attended Lakeshore Public Schools.  He was employed at Walsworth Printing.  Austin enjoyed, fishing, camping, boating, listening to music and the Dallas Cowboys.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family especially his nephew Johnathan and nieces Joan and Paige.  Austin had a kind heart, with an amazing personality and was able to bring laughter to all those he met. During the last seven years of Austin’s life he struggled and fought hard to overcome his substance abuse disorder.  Austin was blessed to have the love and support of his family and many caring individuals to stand and fight with him during his battle.  Austin attended Families Against Narcotics where he shared his personal battle with opioids, in hopes to inform the community on the dangers of drug addiction and to offer support, acceptance and encouragement to all who have been affected by this terrible disease. Austin is survived by his parents, James & Amy Jonatzke; sister & brother-in-law, Amanda & Aaron Clark; sister, Jill Jonatzke; fiancé, Victoria Closson; grandparents, Quentin & Barbara Ellingson; grandmother, Carol Jonatze; nieces, Joan & Paige Clark; & nephew, Johnathan Clark.Austin was preceded in death by his grandfather, Gary “Grumpy” Jonatzke and great-grandmother, Sara Hudson.