Nathan Joseph Austin

August 17th, 1973 - December 7th, 2008

Nathan Joseph's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Nathan Joseph here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Nathan & I spent most of our teen years together when he lived with his father (RIP) and when he wasnt living with his father he would at least spend the summers with him. I was lucky enough to make the journey from Land O'Lakes, WI to Flint, Mi. I recalled being stuck riding between Bob & Betsy in their truck, long before they upgraded to an extended cab. I still know every word to Great White once bitten Twice Shy thanks to them. The ride seemed twice as long as it really was because I was anticipating getting to Flint to pick up Nate so we could ride in the camper on the back of the truck all the way back. We would spend everyday together only to make that journey again at the end of the summer. Eventually when we were strong enough to carry two concrete blocks at a time Bob gave us jobs. We would work our tails off just to spend our money on the atv's or snowmobiles we constantly broke. I never lost touch with Nate, but wish I would have seen or talked to him more often. He was a great friend, an awesome son, a very cool big brother, and an awesome dad. The following poem seemed so fitting for him.
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on his tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of his birth and spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that he spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved him know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own; the cars .... the house... the cash.
What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard ... are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left. (You could be at "dash mid-range")

If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more,
And love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash...
Would you be proud of the things they say about how you spend your dash??

Nathan glad to be part of your dash!
Love you & Miss You , Frank

Frank Hattrem

As my brother had mentioned (Frank Hattrem) we had grown up w/ Nate. He taught me how to drive my first go-kart we had done so many fun things together as kids that I wish the kids these days would do more of. Camping, hiking, building forts just from the earth and things we found outside, bike riding, swimming,ghost in the graveyard,etc. There are so many good memories of Nate that I have it is a shame we lost him. He was a good friend and I know if any one of us from the old neighborhood needed him he would have been there in an instant. He will forver be in my heart! You will be truely missed! love you. April

April Meinking (busch)

It's funny the things you think of when you hear a song. Nathan used to dance around my house when I was 15 years old singing the "Speed Racer" song...laughing, being crazy cute...being Nate. He was my first love, and it was perfect - well as perfect as first loves can be. He took care of me and allowed me to be who I was no matter what. He was the first man I said "I love you too," and in true Nate fashion he said it right back. We lost touch for years after that...seeing eachother here and there over time...but we were always in eachother's thoughts and prayers. I was lucky enough to get him back... so to speak, this past summer. We shared so may conversations, laughs, memories and tears over the last several months. He quickly became my best friend again, and I will miss him more than words can say. No one knew me like Nathan...that boy could read me like a book. I was going to suprise him with a bus ticket down to Chicago to spend the New Year with our family -my Mom and borthers loved him very much as well. I'm deeply saddened, with a heavy heart by the fact that I will not get that time with him. My heart and prayers go out to all his friends and family...his mom...Nel...God Bless You. Remember his contagious laugh...it will get you through the bad days.

Lauren Jochem

Nathan was like one of my "son's".He always called me Ma "B".As Frank(Hattrem) my son,& April (Busch),my daughter said he was a big part of our lives in Land O' Lakes,Wi.He enjoyed the outdoors,his family,& his friend's,and all the critter's. And when they talk about his laugh,you'd never forget it.He'd get that "grin" on his face saying aw... come on ma.And he & frank usually get their way.We would talk alot of his family.He was very proud of "all" of them....We are so blessed to have people like Nathan come into our lives.So, remember,Love,Laugh,& live your life to the fullest.Show respect & gratatude.Be there for one another,and try not to lose touch.I'm glad Nate sent me the e-mails on facebook.Ma you there????We definatley will miss you,your love & your laugh...Love ya, Ma "B."

Linda Busch

I cant say that I really knew Nathan as well as alot of people. But his is my cousin. and every time he would come and visit he would let me eat all of his peanut M&M's and let me tell ya they were the best i have ever had. And over the summer when we went on a family camping trip. Now that was fun. I beat nathan at a water balloon fight of course he wasnt playing so there for as nice and sweat as he is he let me win. haha. Aunt Nell I love you dearly and Im sincerely sorry for the lose of your son and my cousin Nathan.

Allison Prusa

A Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or
a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you
will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON . . . It is
usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have
come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you
with guidance and support, to aid you physically,
emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a
godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason
you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an
inconvenient time, this person will say or do something
to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realise is that our need has been met, our
desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you
sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON . . .
Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount
of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things
you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional
foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the
person, and put what you have learned to use in all
other relationships and areas of your life. It is said
that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

I speak for Jessie and myself when I say we are so thankfull to have had Nate in our lives. Nate, Frank and my brother tormented the hell out of Jessie and I (I'm actually thankfull for it now!) and when Dan died he immediately stepped in and said "you still have me, I'm still your big bro" and he meant it! I knew if I need him, even just for that laugh- he was there and he gave us some one to be sisters too. We all needed each other. We know that he will always be with us. He's part of who we are.

Jenni & Jessie

Janell~Jeff you and your Family must be having a tough time as Christmas approaches. Please know that you're in my heart and on my mind not just today, but alway's.
I found this poem from an unknown author and wanted to share it with you.

~My Lifetime Wish~
If I could have a lifetime wish, a dream that would come true
I'd pray to God with all my heart for yesterday and you.
A thousand word's can't bring you back, I know because I've tried
And neither will a million tear's, I know because I've cried.
You left behind my broken heart and happy memories too
But, I never wanted memories ~ I only wanted You.

Nathan was a great spirited young man. Who I met and saw just a few time's when he'd visit his cousin Marcia and her family here in Three Oaks, MI.
My best memory of Nate is when he, Marcia and I rode around the country roads in my Jeep with the hard top off. Nate sat in the back and just loved it. He enjoyed the outdoor's and was looking at the countryside. I'm sure hoping to see a deer too. Laughter was a great part of Nathan as he laughed alot and made me laugh too. I'll keep that memory with me forever.
God Bless You All
Tammy Hellenga

Tammy Hellenga Three Oaks, MI

My First Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless
Christmas trees
around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,
reflecting on the snow

The sight is so spectacular,
please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description,
to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart.
But I am not so far away,
We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift,
from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory
of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious
than pure gold.
was always most important
the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
my Father said to do.
I can't count the blessing or love
has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and
Wipe away that tear
Remember, I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year

Tammy Birgy

I never Knew anyone like Nathan and I dont think I ever will.He loved riding snowmobile so much thats all we did together last winter of 2007 I was so scared to go on one but watching him do it. made me not want to let him down...He always talked about his childeran and his father he loved them very much.I loved how he could make me laugh in any situation and how when he played with my son I could see that he was so full of love and see the kid in him come out.there is so much I could say but those who know him, know why I am at a loss for words. But I will always love him and when I start to cry I just think hes where he is meant to be with his father and our lord he is finally at peace...

Crystal Paulson

Janell, You and Nathan are such a big part of my life and although I only knew him as a little boy it's easy to picture him as everyone has described him. He was always the one that came first!!! No matter how wild and crazy things got. I'm so glad we found each other again after so many years. But before I heard the unbelievable news,I couldn't wait to meet Nathan as a grown man. Now I'm glad I had even a little time with him. He was such a sweet boy. I'm here for you and you are all in my prayers. Love, Anita

Nathan Joseph Austin

Nathan Joseph's Memory Wall

TEST