Jason D. Ferch, 43, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Saturday morning at his parent’s home surrounded by his family.

Jason Dean was born Oct. 21, 1973, in Austin to Ron and Debbie (Kjome) Ferch. Jason and his family resided in Owatonna, Minnesota, until Jason’s fifth-grade year, when they returned to Austin. He graduated with the class of 1992 from Austin High School where he excelled in football and wrestling. At the age of 21 Jason sustained a serious injury that resulted in paralysis. Jason never complained, and showed great courage in his life. He went on to earn his bachelor of science degree in social services from Winona State University. Jason pledged to dedicate his life to helping others and did so through his work at Cedar Valley Services in Austin and, since 2010, with Mower County Human Services. He enjoyed following sports and loved playing Texas Hold’em. He was proud of his nomination from the Courage Center of Minnesota for the “Jay and Rose Phillips Courage Award,” honoring people with disabilities who achieved outstanding success in their field. Jason most enjoyed time spent with his family and many friends.

He is survived by his son, Dakota Ferch, of Phoenix, Arizona; parents, Ron and Debbie Ferch; brother, Dillon Ferch, all of Austin; maternal grandmother, Bonnie Kjome of Austin; paternal grandfather, Don Ferch of Austin; and many aunts and uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Alisa Ferch; maternal grandfather, Norm Kjome; paternal grandmother, Myrles Ferch; and uncle, Eric Kjome.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Karen Behling officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin, and will continue on Wednesday from  noon until 1 p.m. prior to the service at church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.