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Austin Joel Duve
Born: 7/21/1995
Died: 12/26/2024
Age: 29
Community: Grand Blanc, MI
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Austin Joel Duve, age 29, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and Eagle Scout, was taken from this world on Thursday, December 26, 2024 as the result of a tragic car accident.
Austin was born July 21, 1995 at 12:16 pm at McLaren Regional Medical Center. A lifelong resident of Grand Blanc, Austin grew up in a close-knit neighborhood and was beloved by all his neighbors, who often would see him riding his bike along our quiet streets.
Austin’s education started with the 3 and 4 year old preschool programs, at Faith Lutheran Church where he discovered his love for GOD. He would go on to be baptized in the Lutheran faith (along with his sister and his father) and follow his Christian education through his communion and confirmation in the church.
He attended Indian Hill Elementary from Kindergarten through Fifth grade, Grand Blanc East Middle School from Sixth through Eighth grade, where he was part of the initiating class of the newly built school, and Grand Blanc High School graduating with Honors in 2013.
Austin became interested in Boy Scouts at a young age while attending a Court of Honor for one of his cousins. When he was in First Grade, Austin joined Pack 295 as a Tiger Scout and climbed the ranks to Webelos. As he neared the end of his Elementary years we asked him if he wanted to continue Scouting, and he would frequently let it be known, “I want to be an Eagle Scout, then quit”. Austin visited several Boy Scout Troops as part of his “Go See” and it was with Troop 215 that he found his Boy Scout home. As a small, quiet boy at this meeting he sat in a chair at the back of the room. Several of the Scouts walked over, picked up his chair and carried him to their circle at the front of the room. On our way home that night Austin said to me, “I want to join Troop 215 because they made me feel like I belonged.” And so the next six and a half years Austin followed the Trail to Eagle and was so proud to be able to become one of the 4% of Scouts to obtain this highest rank. During his time in Scouts, Austin was also inducted into the Order of the Arrow, which is Scouting’s National Honor Society. After obtaining his Eagle Scout Rank, Austin asked if he could stay with his troop and he was registered as an Assistant Scout Master. Austin’s Scoutmaster, Tom, had a profound effect on Austin’s Scouting journey and became a friend for life.
Austin was a gentle soul who had a love for animals, especially cats and dogs, and was often called on to pet sit by his relatives. He was a pet whisperer, who only had to sit in the vicinity of a cat or dog, and they were drawn to him.
Austin played AYSO for several years and gave baseball a try. But his passion became Tang Soo Do, where he trained for almost six years and obtained the rank of Red/2-stripe belt, just two ranks from Black Belt. Tang Soo Do was a good outlet for Austin and gave him the discipline and structure which he carried throughout the rest of his life.
Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome when he was in Fourth Grade, Austin struggled with “fitting in”. At times he felt alone with his struggles, until he found a place with the Asperger’s Support Group of Genesee County. Through its founder, Amy, Austin found a safe place where he was welcomed. This would become a haven for Austin and his sister, where they made lifelong friends
After graduating High School, Austin was accepted to the Woodworking Program at MCTI (Michigan Career and Technical Institute); one semester later he transitioned into the Industrial Electrical program. Austin enjoyed his time at MCTI because, “I finally found a place where I feel like I belong!” Austin graduated with honors, and though it was very challenging to enter this field he never stopped trying.
In the late summer of 2023, Austin was given an opportunity, with the help of close family friend, Darren, to apply for a packing position with the Northgate Company (as a contract worker with the Blue Crew). This was a challenging job for Austin at first but he soon became a valued worker who was respectful, hardworking and always on time. One of his supervisors commented, “I would take another 3-4 Austins. Good Call.” It was on his way to work that last day that Austin lost his life. Austin’s belief in GOD gives us hope that someday we will all be together again.
Austin is survived by his grieving family, parents Timothy and Lisa (Baker) and his sister/best friend, Sarah; grandmother, Cherry Duve; uncle and aunts: Joseph and Darlene (Bruce) Baker, Diane (Baker) Samarasinghe, Sharon (Baker) Dickerson, Laura (Baker) and Terry Blower, Jane (Duve) Riggs, Susan (Duve) and Russ Fries, Steven and Samantha Duve, Robert and Gina Duve, and Alan Lowe. Many cousins, their spouses and families. Special friends: Scoutmaster Tom Kiihr, Amy Jarvinen, Darren and Nancy Villarreal, Aaron and Krista Graham, Paula and Steve Rainey, and Jerry and Gladys Huff. He was preceded in eternal life by his grandparents: Muriel Duve in 1987, Joseph (Grandpa Joe) Baker in 2006, John (Grandpa Duve) in 2017, Gladys (Grandma Baker) Baker in 2018; Aunt Gail (Baker) Sadler in 2013; and special friend Jerry Light in 2024.
Visitation will be at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 South Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc on Friday, January 3 from 1 to 3 pm and 4 to 8 pm. Visitation Saturday, January 4 at 11 am until time of service at 1:00 pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 12534 Holly Road, Grand Blanc.
Contributions may be made to the family to help cover funeral expenses.
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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1/3/2025 |
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1:00 PM |
| Visitation will be held from 1pm-3pm and 4pm-8pm on Friday. |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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1/4/2025 |
| Time: |
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1:00 PM |
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| Location: |
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Faith Lutheran Church
12534 Holly Rd.
Grand Blanc, MI 48439Get a Map to this location...
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