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Michael A. Austin

Michael Austin Obituary

Austin Michael Abraham Austin, passed away unexpectedly on November 5, 2016 in Decatur, Georgia, where he was a student at Emory University. Michael was born in Columbus, Ohio, on June 8, 1990, to John Austin and Marcy Rodgers. He was a 2009 graduate of Rutherford B. Hayes High School and also attended Northland High School. He was a member of the wrestling team, marching and jazz bands, Envirothon and National Honor Society. Michael graduated with honors with a B.A. from Capital University in 2013. At Emory University, he was studying to earn a Master's Degree in Public Health with a Certificate in Complex Humanitarian Emergencies. Michael was passionate about social justice and finding solutions to help others. While a student at Capital University, he was an intern at the Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS). He soon became Youth Program Lead Coordinator for ETSS. In this role, he ran summer programs, coordinated the Youth Summit, and established the Youth Collaborative Board, consisting of American social services agencies and ethnic community organizations, to give a voice to immigrant and refugee youth. One project, among many of note, was the establishment of the community gardens on the east and west sides of Columbus. Michael furthered his work by studying the impact of nutrition on child development with the Kossoye Project in Ethiopia while working with the International Medical Corps to improve conditions for people living in refugee camps in Africa. Michael is survived by his parents, John and Patti Austin; (stepmother), Marcy Rodgers and Rick Eckler (stepfather); siblings, Sara Austin Wenner and her husband, Charles Wenner, Chelsea Eckler, and Connor Eckler; grandparents, Arnold and Mary Austin and Shirley Rodgers; aunts, Jane Austin Sorstokke, Ann Austin Grady, and Kuani Rodgers. Michael is at peace with his grandfather Donald L. Rodgers and his uncle Donald M. Rodgers. A memorial service will be held for Michael at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Delaware, Ohio, on December 10 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in memory of Michael to ETSS-Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services, 1060 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43203, or on their website www.ethiotss.org/help-us/donate. A youth scholarship fund will be created in his memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Nov. 15 to Nov. 17, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Austin

32 Entries

Anya

June 19, 2025

"What would Michael do?" is something I say to myself often. You live on in our memories. May there be good coffee and immaculate vibes wherever you're at (and will be).

Anne Brandyberry

November 9, 2023

Dear Marci, John, Rick and Patty,

This remembrance just came up in my email this morning. I want you to know I think of Michael many times throughout the year, especially when I have a new 6th grader who is so excited to start the saxophone!

Michael is one of those students I will never forget. His excitement for music, his kindness and compassion are traits I will hold dear to my heart.

Just know I think of all of you when his memory pops up in my mind. As I look to retire soon, your son will always hold a special place in my heart.

Anne Brandyberry

Andy Carlson

November 9, 2021

This week I met with Seleshi Asfaw of ETSS and we remembered Michael fondly. He was a kind and intelligent person who stood up for the disadvantaged. Michael's legacy remains in our memories and in the scholarship in his name at ETSS.

Laura Antoniak

December 8, 2016

Rick and Marcy,
Bill and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sure he enriched the world in so many more ways than can be listed. God bless you and both your families.
Laura and Bill Antoniak

The Mergler Family

December 6, 2016

Shocked,saddened and stunned are only a few of the words we felt when we heard about Michael. He always had that ear to ear wide smile. All the times he was at church standing side by side our kiddoes...We never expected this. Prayers for all who loved and will miss this wonderful young man. His memory will always be treasured.

December 6, 2016

Marcy, Rick,, John, Patty, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Michael was a super person. There are not enough words to say how sorry i am. Thinking of you.

Marcia Jones

gh eords

Jakki Kerr Kolzow

December 5, 2016

Dear Ms. Austin - or Ms. Rodgers as I knew you,
I am so sorry to hear if this loss. When I saw the post from a friend back in Delaware and noted the last name, I clicked the link hoping to find that this young man was not related to my favorite high school Spanish teacher despite the last name being the same. My heart goes out to you. I wish I could have connected with you in some other way, and yet I'm grateful to be able to pass along my sympathy and well wishes. Prayers for you and your family.
Jakki (Kerr) Kolzow '85

Amsalu Feleke

December 5, 2016

It was a shocking and sad moment when we heard the passing of the young and energetic Michel, as we usually call him. Without any exaggeration, he was an active, cooperative, easy-going, friendly, hard-working and was a good example for all of us. KDP had benefited a lot from him. We would not forget his active involvement and support during the field work. He walked up and down in the terrain of Kossoye, to visit houses for the diffusion of V.G. It is hard to forget his multi-purpose involvement in the activities of KDP, particularly the nutrition demonstration he performed at Shenkor Mesk elementary school.
Although Michel passed away at an early age, we don't forget him because of his contributions that he made for KDP, the love he had shown us.
The KDP Management Committee members at Gondar feel very sorry and request to pass our condolences to his families, friends, KDP Board members and others.
May the Almight God puts his soul at the side of our Father Abraham and our Mother Sara.
With great Sympathy
KDP Management Committee members

December 1, 2016

Rick, Marcy and family,
So sorry for you loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Debbie Luther and Nikki

Francine Butler

November 21, 2016

Michael was never a student in my classroom, but his father and I taught in the high school he graduated from. He sounds like a stellar young man with a lot to offer the world. His work will stand as a legacy for him.

LB Kemp

November 20, 2016

I was heart-sick for you and your family, Marcy, when I heard. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts.

Anita Gildea

November 19, 2016

Marcy and family, my heart is broken for you. I imagine this to be inconceivable. There aren't any words - I can only share that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

November 18, 2016

Marcy and John.
So very sorry to hear about your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Vicki Koogler

Tommy Mawk

November 18, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

November 18, 2016

Marcy and family:
So very crushing. Please accept my sincere condolences and perhaps knowing that people care can bring some very small degree of comfort.
Robert Sheridan (Dubai)

Rebecca Beck

November 18, 2016

I am so sorry for the loss of such an amazing young man, one who contributed so much to the world in his short time on Earth. What he gave will always be treasured by those he served. My heart is with his mother, my friend and colleague, Marcy, and to his family.

Natasha

November 17, 2016

I am very sorry for your loss and wish to send my sincere condolences to your family at this very sorrowful time. May drawing close to God in prayer bring you comfort and peace.

The Compassionate Friends

November 17, 2016

Dear Austin Family,
We, the families of The Compassionate Friends, send you our heartfelt condolences. The Compassionate Friends is an international grief support group for parents, grandparents and siblings who have suffered the heartbreaking loss of a child. Our only mission is to provide comfort, hope and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or daughter, brother or sister, or grandchild, and to help others better assist the grieving family. We meet monthly in Columbus from 7-9 PM on the second Tuesday of each month at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1479 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229. If and when you are ready to do so, please join us. We need Not Walk Along. We are The Compassionate Friends.
~~~
The Compassionate Friends
Columbus, Ohio Chapter
(614) 882-8986
www.tcfcolumbus.org
www.compassionatefriends.org

Dave & Diane Trinter

November 17, 2016

Rick, Marcy, and family,

Our hearts ache for all of you, including Michael. We knew him from his involvement with the Northland music program. It was a joy to observe him and to listen to his music. We know what a fine person he was and know he has left a lasting positive impression with those who knew him. Our thoughts are with Michael and all of you, his loving family.

With love,
Dave and Diane Trinter

November 17, 2016

Mike was an amazing young man , God has a very special angel with him, my heart and prayers are with all of you
love
Dianne

November 17, 2016

We extend our deepest sympathy to Michael'family and to All of the people who knew and loved him.. There are no words to explain the loss of such a brilliant and talented mind. He leaves behind so many who knew and loved him, especially our dearest granddaughter, Amber Rose Lauff. Dan and Dorothy Coccagna RIP Michael

Debbie Everhart

November 17, 2016

Rick, Marcy and family, we are so sorry to hear about Michael's passing. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness.

Debi Wood

November 17, 2016

I am deeply saddened by Michael's untimely death. He was an amazing young man. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Anne Tull

November 16, 2016

Michael was a WONDERFUL kid in EYG. A thinker, fun and loving. Such a good heart. It makes me very sad to think of him gone.
Sending love and sympathy.

Dee Marcum

November 16, 2016

I've known Michael since he was really young,he would come to Hayes to do his homework! I just loved him he was a real sweetheart and grew up to be such a giving and selfless young man.I will miss him!

Anne Brandyberry

November 16, 2016

I was stunned and deeply saddened to hear of Michael's passing. Michael was a kind, compassionate and talented young man. It was an honor for me to have him as a student and I will never forgot his beautiful smile and the beautiful music he made playing the saxophone. My deepest condolences to his entire family.

Becky Graessle (Williams)

November 16, 2016

This is deeply saddening. I pray for peace and healing for your family. It sounds as though michael kept busy and improved the lives of many. I'm sure he will be rewarded. Eternal rest grant unto him, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Tracy Cinereski

November 16, 2016

I'm deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.

Dan Skinner

November 16, 2016

Michael was one of a kind. More committed to improving this world and helping the most vulnerable among us than perhaps any student I have ever had. How sad especially that he leaves at a time that we need him more than ever.

Zach

November 16, 2016

I met Michael at Capital. He was a sharp, caring and driven person.

I'll always remember shooting hand guns, talking philosophy, and late nights listening to Tom Waits records.

You are missed...

Brian Wallace

November 15, 2016

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Michael's passing. He was driven to make the world a better place. I am honored to have been one of his teachers and grateful he was one of mine.

Michael working in rural Ethiopia (2013).

Andy Carlson

November 15, 2016

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Michael's passing. He was such an intelligent and hard working person, dedicated to helping people, with a bright future of service to humanity. He had a very big heart for kids and the underprivileged, and in his short life he truly made a difference in many lives.

His friends in Ethiopia who worked with him on the Kossoye Project (Amanuel, Dagnatchew, Tamrat, and Seifu) send their condolences to his family and friends.

Michael's intellect and compassion made an impression on his teachers at Capital. He will be missed.

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