Austin Thomas Michalec

Our beloved son and big brother, Austin Thomas Michalec, 15, went home to the loving arms of Jesus on June 2, 2011.

Austin was born in Akron, on August 4, 1995, the son of Christopher R. and Diane L. (Kulasa) Michalec, big brother to Collin Matthew and Colton Christopher Michalec.

Austin grew up in Randolph and was a freshman at Waterloo High School where he played basketball and lettered as a freshman for track. He attended St. Peter of the Fields Church in Rootstown, Ohio, were he was active in the youth group. He played the part of Jesus for the youth Stations of the Cross.

Austin loved anything to do with cars and racing. That was his biggest passion. He had always hoped to open his own garage someday and be able to custom design cars for people as well as work on them. He was a very talented artist, loved listening to music and making his own music, enjoyed photography and loved making videos with his friends and brothers. He raced BMX and in 2009 was third in the state for his class of riders. Akron BMX was like a second home with ``family' that he loved spending time with. He always said he liked racing his bike until he could race his car. He loved riding his dirt bike, golf carts, go kart, four wheeler; basically anything that had a motor or wheels!

Austin was a beautiful person who deeply cared for everyone. We never met anyone who didn't have good things to say about him and the wonderful person he was. As hard it may be to believe, Austin and his brothers never fought. They disagreed at times, but we were so blessed to have boys that got along amazingly well. He was not only their big brother, but their best friend. Austin would sit and play Legos with Colton for hours in the basement. They would build villages and make up stories and laugh. Austin and Colton had several projects going on of building and painting some bikes and Green Machines. He liked to show off his car to Colton and explain what he was working on at the time. Austin and Collin would spend many hours in the back yard together, riding four wheelers, going for canoe rides, making ``Bridges to Terabithia' and getting wet and muddy. They had plans for making a fort in the back yard this summer. They loved playing video games together and always enjoyed each others company. They were truly as close as anyone could be. Austin also loved spending time with his sweet girlfriend, Mariah. Seeing those two together would bring a smile to anyone's face. They enjoyed sitting at home watching movies, listening to music, going out to the barn to work on his car, and going on go kart rides in the back.

Austin will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We know that we will all be together again someday in heaven. ``I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies.' John 11:25

Austin is survived by his parents, Christopher and Diane Michalec; brothers, Collin and Colton; grandparents, William and Rosemary Kulasa, and Diane Michalec; great-grandmothers, Carol Kulasa and Regina Savick; uncles, David Kulasa, James Kulasa, Michael (Debra) Michalec, Gregory Michalec, Steven (Jessica) Michalec; cousins, Jennifer, Julie and Gavin Michalec; girlfriend, Mariah Simpson; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, John Michalec and uncle, Matthew Michalec.

Calling hours TODAY , 3 to 7 p.m. at St. Peter of the Fields Catholic Church, 3487 Old Forge Rd., Rootstown, OH 44272, where Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of other remembrances, donations should be made to the Austin T. Michalec memorial fund to be used for various charities c/o 810 Portage Tr. Cuyahoga Falls Oh. 44221.

Please view Austin's website at: caringbridge.org/visit/austinmichalec

330-928-7116