Justin Michael Siler

Death ends a life, not a relationship.

On June 10, 2018, nature found its way to get under the feet of Justin Siler, 19, calling him to the heavens and to our lord. Justin Michael Siler – a son, brother, grandson, cousin, best friend, Indiana University college student, avid golfer, second generation Eagle Scout, scholar and sports aficionado who was adept at the great outdoors landed gently in our Father’s arms, and passed without pain. And on this day, the heavens gained a budding young man from Lawrence, Kansas who could make a stranger his friend with an authentic but witty conversation – uniquely and consistently demonstrating his innate ability to nurture and care for others.

Deemed the ‘tall goofy kid who always smiled’ who possessed special logical skills, Justin was the friend we all wanted to be around. And although death ends a life, it does not end the many relationships Justin so easily created. Survived by his parents, Brother and best friend Matthew, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins along with a myriad of golf buddies, college friends, sports nuts and schoolmates ¬¬ Justin’s relationships, memories and impact on this world will long surpass his short 19 years.

Marking those relationships and grieving together, condolences may be expressed Monday June 18 during a visitation from 4-6pm at the Lawrence Corpus Christi Catholic Church, and again, during a Memorial Mass at Corpus Christi Catholic Church at 10:30am, Tuesday June 19.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Justin M. Siler Memorial Fund in care of Warren¬-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044

39 Condolences

  1. Steve and Marci Toalson on June 13, 2018 at 1:27 pm

    Steve and Susan – I just heard the tragic news regarding Justin. We are so sorry for your sudden and unexpected loss. We are searching for words of comfort to share, but there just aren’t any. Our hearts are full of support and prayers for the Siler Family.

    The Toalson Family



  2. John D Haynes on June 13, 2018 at 2:37 pm

    John Haynes and family,
    There no words that can calm your hearts and minds at a time like this but know that our Father has prepared us and comforts you in times like this. Know our family keeps you in our thoughts and prayers. Know that many are praying and carrying you in our hearts.



  3. Carl and Kelly Cline on June 13, 2018 at 3:02 pm

    Steve and Susan,
    No words. Only prayers and rosaries, condolences, and such wonderful thoughts of a truly fine young man leaving this world far too soon. We are so truly sorry for your loss. The Lord has his arms wrapped tightly around Justin.



  4. Angie Sommer on June 13, 2018 at 3:16 pm

    Steve and Susan – We are so very sorry for your loss. Justin was such a great guy, taking Dylan under his wing during freshman year of golf and had great influence on him. Prayers for peace and support for you and your family during this tragic time.

    The Sommer Family
    Chad, Angie, Dylan and Carley



  5. Bob Stuart on June 13, 2018 at 6:02 pm

    My heart hurts for those who most dearly love Justin. Prayers fill my mind and tears well in my eyes. I will fondly and forever hold memories of paddling a canoe with him across the clear blue lakes of Northern Minnesota. I believe that in eternity we will get to paddle together again.



  6. Erica Seybert on June 13, 2018 at 6:55 pm

    Susan & family – offering my deepest sympathies during this tragedy of a precious life gone too soon. May you find comfort and strength in each other and know that we are here for you.



  7. Leona Osbourne on June 13, 2018 at 9:05 pm

    Dear Stephen, Susan and Matthew,
    Words seem so empty as we search for just the right ones. None say just the right thing. But in confidence, we know Justin is with the Father, walking beside our brother, Jesus, and graced by the Spirit.
    Without knowing how, may you be blessed with faith and peace as you face the days ahead. And be assured of the prayerful support of your Merrill friends.



  8. Amy Junge on June 13, 2018 at 9:47 pm

    Steve, Susan and Matthew,
    We are so very sorry to hear of Justin’s passing. Our hearts are broken at this news and we send many prayers and love your way. Justin was such a sweet person and will be greatly missed.
    Amy, Chuck and Jack Junge



  9. Julie (Osbourne) Kuhn on June 14, 2018 at 6:53 am

    Many prayers for strength and peace. May you all hold each other tightly and dearly.



  10. Robin, Scott, Michael and Laura on June 14, 2018 at 7:35 am

    Steve, Susan and Matthew,

    Our hearts are simply breaking. We love you, hold on to each other , celebrate Justin in every way possible.



  11. Amy Chadez on June 14, 2018 at 8:37 am

    Susan and Family ~ No words can express my heartache for you. Please know I am sending you my deepest sympathy and prayers for strength to sustain you through this difficult time.



  12. Sasha Wall on June 14, 2018 at 9:07 am

    Susan and family, please know how much your extended “family” supports and loves you. No words can express how much my heart hurts for you. Sending all of my love.



  13. Kelly Klocke on June 14, 2018 at 10:09 am

    Steve and family-
    I am thinking about you and praying for you all during this horrible time, my heart is broken for you. Praying for peace and that you find comfort in each other as time goes on. Love to you all from Chicago.



  14. Vicki Maldonado on June 14, 2018 at 10:16 am

    Steve and family,
    I can’t imagine the pain you and your family are feeling. A parent’s greatest fear is the loss of a child. Please know that our thoughts and prayers for peace and understanding are with you. So much love is being sent your way form all of us.



  15. Kirby Brown on June 14, 2018 at 11:05 am

    Steve-

    I am very sorry to hear of this tremendous loss. You and your family are in my prayers.



  16. Brian Perkins on June 14, 2018 at 11:42 am

    Steve and family,

    Please know how much you and your family are in our thoughts. Although I only spent a few days around Justin he made such an impression on me and I will never forget him. He was very proud of his family and represented your family so well!

    Please accept my condolences

    Brian



  17. Phil Ray on June 14, 2018 at 2:07 pm

    Steve and Family,

    I am so sad to hear the news about your loss. My heart breaks as I reflect on my own 19 year old daughter and how tragic this must be to your entire family and friends.

    Our prayers are with you and your family.

    Phil Ray



  18. Slane Family on June 14, 2018 at 2:37 pm

    Steve, Susan, and Mathew

    We are sadden to hear of your loss. We wish your family the best in these hard times. Justin was a good kid.

    Shane, Sherry, and Isaac Slane



  19. Heidi Heineke Magri on June 14, 2018 at 3:22 pm

    Susan, Steve, and Matthew,
    I am so sad to hear of your loss. Life brings tears, smiles, and memories. The tears dry, the smile fades, but the memories live on forever. May you find peace, hope and strength in your time of sadness.
    Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.



  20. Mike Stogsdill on June 14, 2018 at 3:27 pm

    I am so very sorry about Justin. He was a great friend to my son Brandon. I always enjoyed being around him when I had the chance. My thoughts go out to everyone who knew Justin. RIP Justin. You will be dearly missed by many…



  21. Gene and Judy Bauer on June 14, 2018 at 8:40 pm

    Steve and Susan

    We were shocked and so very sad to read of Justin’s death. Life seems so unfair when something like this happens. Our thought and prayers are with you.



  22. Suzanne Valdez on June 14, 2018 at 8:45 pm

    Dear Steve, Susan, and Matthew,

    Our deepest condolences to all of you. We pray for your family in this tremendous time of grief.

    Suzanne Valdez and Steve McAllister and Family



  23. Jeanne Osbourne Walch & Family on June 14, 2018 at 8:59 pm

    Our hearts are heavy with sadness. Know you have been, and will continue to be, in our thoughts and prayers. May you be robed in God’s healing and comforting grace, especially in the days ahead.



  24. Glenn, Kathy, and Matt Pribbenow on June 15, 2018 at 9:45 am

    We were sad to hear about your loss. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.



  25. Jean and Chuck on June 15, 2018 at 6:30 pm

    Susan, Steve and Matthew, we can not even begin to comprehend the depth of your anguish, loss, and grief. Your words above are a very fitting tribute to a very special young man who touched a great number of people. Please know that Chuck and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.



  26. Tomy and Jerry Galbreath on June 15, 2018 at 9:18 pm

    So Sorry!. Please know we are thinking of you. The Grandparents of Avery K.



  27. Michelle Hertz on June 15, 2018 at 9:18 pm

    Our oldest granddaughter, Hayley Minassian was a good friend . We didn’t know Justin but we do know he was a really good guy and good friend to Hayley. Our thoughts and prayers are with you forever



  28. Hayley Minassian on June 15, 2018 at 10:28 pm

    Justin was the nicest person I ever met in my life. We barely knew each other for two weeks when he mentioned he was going to his brother in Kansas, because my best friend goes there I immediately invited myself and he told me he was so happy to have someone to drive with. He always made me laugh and gave me a hug on a bad day, he was such a light in my world and I don’t know what I’m going to do without him. He meant the world to me and always will



  29. Krystal Burenheide on June 16, 2018 at 5:36 pm

    My daughter Klaire was good friends with Justin. May the memories bring you strength during this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.



  30. Calvin and Marilyn Meeusen on June 16, 2018 at 6:19 pm

    Dear Steve, Susan and Matthew,

    We did not know Justin personally, but felt we knew him through Steve and Stephanie (your sister)) who are our good friends. We were very sorry to hear of his tragic death and you have our sincerest condolences. We have over the years heard so many wonderful things about him. Please know that your family will continue to be in our prayers.



  31. Carol Spring Watgen on June 16, 2018 at 7:52 pm

    Dear Matthew,
    I am thankful that our paths crossed in an English classroom at Free State. Although I didn’t have Justin in class, if he was anything like you, the world lost a bright light. God bless you and your family. This is a terrible loss.



  32. Tracey English on June 17, 2018 at 8:32 pm

    Steve and Susan,
    My heart breaks for you both. I was so sorry to hear about your unbelievable loss. Please know you both and your family are in my prayers.



  33. Karla Whiteside on June 18, 2018 at 2:37 pm

    Steve and Susan – I am so sorry to hear of your unexpected and sudden loss of Justin. My prayers are with all of you.
    I know you all have precious memories of him and I hope that those will help sustain you and give you strength thru this tragic time and as you adjust to a new normal in all of your lives.



  34. Trish Arnold on June 18, 2018 at 8:52 pm

    San & Steve,
    I just found out about Justin this evening. I am so sorry! Prayers for your healing.

    Hugs!

    Trish & Keith Arnold



  35. The Houks on June 19, 2018 at 8:51 am

    We are so sorry for your loss. There are no words to express how devastated we were to hear about Justin. You are in our thoughts, always.
    Lots of hugs.



  36. Dick & Dodie Kollhoff on June 19, 2018 at 11:30 am

    Dear Steven, Sue and Matthew,
    Words won’t do it…only LOVE. The love of God, the love you have for each other, and the love of Justin for each of you, is going to hold you all together as you move forward. God bless you ✝️????



  37. Stephen, Laura, Gavin and Braiden Blanchard on June 19, 2018 at 2:55 pm

    Steven, Susan, and Matthew,
    Thank you for sharing Justin with us all these years. He was so sweet and kind especially towards our boys…. (Mrs. Siler, can Justin come out and play nerf guns?…) He always was so kind to come out to play with the boys 8 years younger and the boys will forever cherish those memories. Your family will always have a place here in Lawrence and in our hearts. The Front porch just isn’t the same without you here, Susan. Words can not express our sorrow for you and your family. Justin was loved by all.
    Love and lots and lots of hugs,



  38. Joel and Pam Buckley on June 23, 2018 at 4:30 pm

    Steve & Family,

    I am so sorry for your loss. I feel and pray for you and your family. Unfortunately, I know some of the pain you are going through. You have always been a brother to me. Thank you for your quiet leadership and mentorship over the years. If you and your family need anything – even to just listen – please let me know.

    Love,
    Joel Buckley & Family.
    720-442-1567



  39. Jaycie Bishop on June 27, 2018 at 6:58 pm

    Justin and I were classmates. He was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Lawrence in 8th grade. He allowed our friendship to start immediately with open arms. We stayed in and out of contact throughout high school; every conversation was filled with happiness. Justin was an amazing friend to me and I’m beyond grateful to have shared a friendship with him.



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