Austin Tyler Maneke

Austin Tyler Maneke
July 26, 2002 - March 16, 2024
Austin Tyler Maneke, known affectionately to all as Austin, entered this world with a spark on July 26, 2002, in the charming city of Augusta, GA. Austin lived a life full of laughter and love until his light became a guiding star when he passed away on March 16, 2024 in Big Rapids, MI due to a vehicle accident. The many lives he touched in his 21 years on this earth were a testament to the joy and warmth he brought into their lives.
Austin was the kind of guy who could turn a frown upside down with his laughter and smile that could brighten anyone's day. His humor was as infectious as a catchy tune on the radio - he had a knack for making the mundane seem downright hilarious. He was the human equivalent of a bright, sunny day. His smile? Let's just say priceless, that smile should have been insured to capture it's worth to everyone around him.
He was the best brother one could imagine - Mikaela and Jamison hit the sibling jackpot with their big brother Austin. He was their protector, their entertainer, and the mastermind behind their most cherished memories. As for his parents, Nathan and Melanie, words fall short of expressing the pride and absolute joy that Austin brought to their lives. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, his parents raised a Rockstar of a human, blessed beyond their wildest dreams with the finest son imaginable. His love for his family was as deep and vast as the universe itself. Ohana ka mua – family first.
Austin was a proud graduate of Big Rapids High School, class of 2021, where his smile was a fixture in the classroom and on the football field. He carried his hardworking and enthusiastic spirit into his role as a supervisor at Big Rapids Products, where he was known for the genuine impact of his huge personality that matched his towering size and the occasional, well-timed prank.
Austin truly enjoyed living life to the fullest. He loved to sit in his truck jamming to music or turning it into a mobile concert. He enjoyed taking his off-roading adventures to the next level ensuring his trucks got as much mud on them as possible while hanging with friends. And let's not forget that beautiful long hair, which was always perfectly styled thanks to his extensive collection of hair products. He knew the value of a good hair day, and by golly, he had a lifetime of them.
Austin had an eye for the finer things in life – not just material possessions, but the simple moments that truly matter. He cherished sunsets, not just for their beauty, but for the way they signified the end of another day well spent. He loved nature in all its glory and embraced the great outdoors as if it were a second home.
Above all, in his core, Austin loved his family. He spent his time with his family filled with laughter, gentle teasing, and an outpouring of love beyond measure. He had countless adventures chock full of shenanigans with his Aunt Meagan and his cousin Thialee, and his many beloved aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and friends that he considered family. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Austin Maneke was the embodiment of joy, a man whose funny bone was as strong as his heart was gentle.
In a world that often takes itself too seriously, Austin was a breath of fresh air. He lived his life with passion and positivity, he emanated a light that shined bright on the lives of everyone privileged enough to have crossed his path. His legacy is one of laughter and love that will continue to imprint happy memories on the many lives he touched and left behind. Austin Maneke, you were a one-of-a-kind soul, that will live on in the hearts and smiles of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing you. Keep the heavens laughing, buddy – we know you'll have them in stitches.
A Viewing will be held Saturday March 23, 2024 from 1:00-4:00 pm at Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with a Memorial Celebration to follow from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Reed City VFW Post 2964, 129 E. Osceola Street, Reed City, MI 49677.. Memorial contributions may be made in Austin's name to the family to help with final expenses.
Share a memory, leave a condolence, and a picture for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com