Austin M. Baker, 19, of Tawas City, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan.
Born on May 16, 2007, in Tawas City, Austin was the son of Robert “Ed” Baker and Jane Johnson (Brobst). He graduated from Tawas Area Schools in 2025 and was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, athletic accomplishments, kindness and dedication to the people around him.
While still a sophomore in high school, Austin started his own company, Wipe It Down, where he worked as a power washer and handled a wide range of home maintenance jobs. His willingness to work hard and learn new skills earned him a reputation as a jack of all trades.
Austin was also an accomplished athlete. Throughout his childhood and high school years, he participated in baseball, soccer, wrestling and golf. He enjoyed snowboarding and gaming and also served as an AYSO referee.
During high school, Austin worked at Marion’s Dairy Bar and Red Hawk Golf Course. He was also a member of the Tawas Bay Pickleball Association and became known as the “music man” who served in the scorebox during Tawas varsity hockey games.
Those who knew Austin remembered him as someone who was far beyond his years in many ways. Above all, he understood the importance of treating others with kindness and believed that being kind was the golden rule.
Austin leaves behind his parents, Jane (Brad) Johnson of Tawas City and Ed Baker of Bay City; brothers David Baker of Tawas City, Tyler (Brittnee) Johnson of Ossineke, Austin Johnson of Tawas City, and Ozzy Johnson of Ossineke.
He is also survived by his grandmothers, Pam Baker and Jeanette Johnson, both of Tawas City; niece Brynlee Johnson; nephew Hazen Johnson; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and many loving, loyal and dedicated friends who meant the world to him.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather Dave Baker and grandparents Dale and Barbara Kennedy.
Funeral and Celebration of Life
The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City, Michigan.
A celebration of Austin’s life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Tawas Methodist Church, with Rev. Dan Gonder officiating.
Those attending the celebration of life have been asked to wear shorts and a golf shirt in Austin’s honor, reflecting some of the activities and interests he enjoyed during his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Tawas Area Sport Boosters.
Austin M. Baker’s life was far too short, but during his 19 years he made a lasting impression through his work, athletic accomplishments, friendships, family relationships and kindness toward others.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, teammates, classmates and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
May Austin M. Baker rest in peace, and may his memory continue to live on through the many people whose lives he touched.