Richard J. Austin

Richard J. “Dick” Austin, age 82, of Eleva, passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023 at his home with his beloved wife at his side.

He was born on October 28, 1940 to the late Herman and Joyce (Swanson) Austin

Richard Austin was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and a friend to all. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and had a knack to fix anything…especially cars.  No project was too big, or too small.  Not only did he fix things for himself, but also for his family or anyone that would ask of him.   He was the type of man who would do just about anything for anyone.

Richard was an incredibly strong willed and resilient man, from his lifelong battle with polio, that started when he was a child, his numerous surgeries throughout his life from broken bones to cancer, he was always determined to never give up and never allowed those illnesses or injuries to keep him from being the determined man we knew.   The life he lived has been an inspiration to many.

Richard will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 37 years, Jackie; children, Bradey (Valerie) Austin, Barrey (Deanna) Austin, Bobbie (Mark) Ryskoski, Kerry (Paul) Bjorklund, Keith (Tracey) Dryden and Kelly Weier; 15 loving grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren; siblings, Tom (Kathy) Austin, Deb Dickinson, Pam Miller, Diane (Steve) Moy and Cathy Smith; sister in law, Arlene Volz; also by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Joyce (Swanson) Austin, siblings Jerry, Craig and Kim; first wife Grace (Dryden) Austin; and  great-granddaughter Amelia.

Dick was a humble, kind, and proud man, and an inspiration to us all.  He leaves behind a legacy of love.

A memorial service for Dick will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Talbot Family Funeral Home, Mondovi Chapel.  A memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again on Thursday one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.