Brian Aust, 42, passed away in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on September 27, 2022, surrounded by family.
A private burial will take place with family on Monday, October 3, 2022, in Howard, SD.
A Celebration of Life will take place on November, 12, 2022 at Josiah’s Coffeehouse & Café in Sioux Falls. Open house with the Aust family will be from 6-8 p.m., with a Friends of Austie Rock the Wristband open mic storytelling session from 8:30-10.
Please give memorials in Brian’s name to a favorite local organization to share in his spirit of generosity.
Brian was born July 14, 1980 in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Ken and Marilyn Aust, younger brother to Shane and Richard. Two years later, he moved with his family to Box Elder, where his father was newly stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. They were the “only military family who never got to see the world,” and stayed there for the duration of Brian’s upbringing where he played baseball and was part of the 1994 Douglas 11A football South Dakota State Championship team. He was one of the “12-year club” who attended his entire schooling in the Douglas school system, graduating in 1998.
Brian believed deeply in the importance of education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from South Dakota State University, graduating with High Honors. He later attended the University of Nebraska where he earned a Master of Arts degree in 2012.
He continued his love of education by working as the first Director of Communication for Associated School Board of South Dakota, aiding in the efforts to lobby for the good of public education from 2005-2012.
In 2012, he moved to Sioux Falls and began building his career legacy, serving in marketing insights strategy and business development capacities at Sanford Health. During this time, he participated in Leadership South Dakota, class of 2018.
Brian was a visionary, a master communicator, an articulate storyteller and understood the value of community. His art of blending intellect, creativity and passion allowed him to successfully tackle projects and complex ideas and make big things happen. He passionately advocated for the causes he believed in and regularly utilized one of his greatest gifts - bringing people together.
Brian’s Christian faith sustained and strengthened him daily, and he cherished the Bible verse Philippians 4:13. Brian is now at peace with Jesus, and undoubtedly using his skills and talents to plan a reunion celebration for us when we arrive.
Brian had recently started his own venture, Brian Aust Strategy, to focus on second-stage business development and he tackled his days with positive energy, interpreted the world through a lens of faith and intentionally invested in those around him.
While living in Pierre, Brian met his Loveliest, Lisa Johansen. The two were married in 2015, solidifying his role as “unpaid photo intern.” The two made a joy-filled home together in Sioux Falls. Brian worked tirelessly for the causes he believed in, but his heart and priority stayed focused on Lisa, his family and his friends.
With Lisa by his side, Brian embraced adventure by traveling to cities across the country, camping in South Dakota state parks, soaking up the downtown culture of Sioux Falls. He loved football, (C’mon Cowboys!), creating culinary magic in the kitchen, and music – from Bob Dylan, to The Beastie Boys to Lizzo. He was the three-time champion of the Sioux Falls Tecmo Siouxper Bowl.
Brian’s sphere of influence extended across the country. His contact list was a mile long, but he was always available for a phone call, to make someone laugh or offer words of wisdom in a tough time.
Brian impacted others by lighting up the room with his warmth, bright smile, big laugh and effervescent, genuine personality. No one could make the room erupt like Brian; his stories were epic and his wit and sense of humor never-ending.
Brian leaves behind his wife, Lisa; parents, Ken and Marilyn Aust; brothers, Richard (Angela) Aust and Shane Aust; aunt, Jolene Falk; cousin, Michael (Surasi) Falk; uncle, Dale (Linda) Yunginger; aunt, Mary (Pat) Hawley; uncle, Keith (Mary) Aust; parents-in-law, Dale (Linda) Johansen; brother-in-law, Paul Johansen; many beloved cousins; and godson, Lucas Jensen.
