Justin passed away on April 26 of an accidental opioid overdose. He was 39 years old. Justin was born in New Ulm but laer moved to Missouri. Predeceased by his grandparents, Robert and Georgine Portner, Roland and Lavonne Menk all of New Ulm and aunt Debra Blesz of Missouri.

He is survived by his parents, James Portner and Jeanne Sumner of Missouri and Diane and Bruce Carleton of New Ulm. Justin leaves behind five beautiful children; Alexandria, Brandon, Tre, Jalyn and Vinnie. He was the oldest of seven children; brothers Riley and Joshua Portner and Ian Carleton, sisters; Tanya Portner, Megan and Jane Carleton. Justin has three nieces; Evelyn, Maddie and Emma; and two nephews; Ryker and Hazen. Justin has four uncles Gregg and Kevin Menk, and Tom and John Portner, five aunts; Lori, Gail and Lynn Menk, and Diane and Janie Portner. A small memorial service was held May 3 at the Saint Louis, Missouri Cremation Services Chapel.

Justin was a free spirit. He was adventurous and very much enjoyed being outdoors, listening to music, biking, fishing, camping and playing basketball with relatives and friends were some of his favorite activities. He adored his animal friends and they loved him. Justin had an infectious smile.

As a teenager during the 1990s, Justin was influenced and soon began to adopt to the pop culture of that time. Sadly, this is when Justin’s addiction began. Though he successfully worked through rehab programs, the craving that comes with true addiction was more than he could overcome. It was Justin’s addiction to opioids, namely prescription pain medications and heroin that eventually claimed his life. Heroin defiles the brain and decreases one’s ability to reason clearly and make sound decisions.

The family of Justin wants you to know that if you, or someone you know and love is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Please don’t suffer in shame or silence, seek out someone you know and trust. Addiction is a chronic disease and not something to be endured in shame or silence. The stigma of embarrassment and denial must be overcome, if we want to see to a change in the fast-rising epidemic of opioid addiction, or any other substance addiction.

Resources are available. You can call the national 24-hour hotline of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit http://wwwjustthinktwice.gov/content/gethelp. No one sets out to be addicted to nicotine, drugs, pain medication, other opioids or alcohol; however, the consequences can be dire.

Justin will be forever loved, missed and remembered. In remembrance of Justin’s memory, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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