Gerald (Jerry) Wayne Austin, age 62, passed away very suddenly at his home in Chetek, WI, on Thursday, May 25, 2023.

He was born December 3, 1959 in Rice Lake, WI to Harold G. and Fern L. Austin of Chetek.

Jerry graduated from Chetek High School and District One Technical School in Eau Claire, WI. From a very young age, Jerry loved dogs, especially the four Golden Retrievers that were his constant companions for a great many years.

Besides his love of dogs, he also loved cars, cars and more cars, hunting, fishing, downhill and cross country skiing, snowmobiling and four-wheeling. He spent many happy times skiing in the mountains of Colorado, where he lived and worked for a time.

He took great pride in his car restoration work in the auto body shop he operated north of Chetek for a number of years.

For too many years Jerry suffered mercilessly from several serious health issues, many of which were a medical mystery.

He was very dedicated to his family, especially his mother, the late Fern Austin, after his father passed away when Jerry was nine years old. That love extended to his sister, Carol, and his brother, Larry, and his family.

Jerry is survived by his adoring sister, Carol Wall of Chetek, and brother Larry (Mary) Austin of Fond du Lac, WI, his niece, Andrea (Jim) Westergaard and their four children, Austin, Adalyn, Alex and Asher of Fond du Lac and nephew, Eric (Julia) Austin and their two sons, Graham and Connor of Pewaukee, WI. Also surviving are Charlie, his Golden Retriever, one aunt, Veta Austin of Qiuincy, IL and a dwindling number of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Austin, and mother, Fern Austin, his grandparents, many aunts, uncles and cousins as well as three Golden Retrievers, Goldie, Rusty and Socks.

Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Funeral Home is handling cremation. No service is planned at this time.

Last Update: May 30, 2023 3:01 pm CDT