Dr. John B. Austin

ONTONAGON, Mich. - Dr. John B. Austin, 59, of Ontonagon, died unexpectedly June 10, 2016.

John "Doc" Austin, son of Gerald and Florence Austin, was born on Aug. 14, 1956. He grew up in Hancock, raised by his sister, Marlene (Don) Coon, and with several extended brothers and sisters.

His medical career began at a young age when he was given his first pocket knife; his Teddy bear being his first patient.

Growing up, Doc enjoyed playing many sports, including hockey, football and track. He was also a member of his high school band.

John graduated from Hancock High School in 1974, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army as part of the Medical Corps. When he completed his service, he met and married Susan and had two children, LeAnn and John.

Doc continued his dedication to service by pursuing his medical degree. He graduated from Michigan Technological University, where he earned his bachelor's degree and was subsequently accepted to medical school at Wayne State University, where he earned his Medical Doctorate.

Doc completed his residency at The Medical College of Toledo, specializing in advanced trauma and surgery. After completing his residency, he and his family established roots in Ontonagon.

In 1992, Doc was employed at the former Ontonagon Memorial Hospital, now Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital, working in the family practice clinic alongside many wonderful medical professionals. No one who met Doc could forget his professional bedside manner or leave a conversation with without a good laugh.

His infectious passion led him to the hobbies of golfing, flying, fly fishing, hunting, rock climbing/rappelling and playing hockey - just to name a few.

During his years living in Ontonagon, Doc dedicated his free time to volunteering with youth. He helped the local football and hockey teams, as well as supporting the youth golf program. He sponsored athletes throughout the Copper Country, helped with the Portage Lake Pioneers hockey team and various other organizations.

Doc thoroughly enjoyed his life in Ontonagon and the Upper Peninsula. He touched many lives and, in return, many touched his and his family's lives. He lived life to the fullest and continued his service all the way through to his death.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Florence; sisters Marlene (Don) Coon and Geraldine McWhirter; and Marlene's children, Sue Weber and Jim Coon.

John is survived by children LeAnn (Nate) Larson and John (Nicole) Austin, former spouse Susan, grandchildren Madalyn and Nolan; Ellen (Mark) Kemppanian, Ed (MaryAnn) Coon, Tom Coon, Mark (Kristina) Coon and companion Rita Schmaus.

There will be a memorial service at Cane Funeral Home on Friday, June 17, at 11 a.m. The Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends may call at the funeral home ome hour prior to the start of the service.

Friends may view Doc's obituary and leave messages of remembrance at canefuneralhome.com.