Donald Austin
December 19, 1926 - January 02, 2021
Obituary
Donald Elmer Austin, age 94, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021; at Winter Village in Frankenmuth.
Donald Austin was born on December 19, 1926, in Saginaw, MI, the second of three children to George and Helen Austin. At the age of 17, he joined the US Army and served in World War II, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After completing his military service, Don had many adventures living in California and Alaska. In 1948, he met Marcella Desrosier on a blind date with friends Bob Buhl and Sally Brown Peters – a blind date that lasted 70 years. He and Marcella married on September 2, 1950, living in Saginaw and raising their family on Sheridan Road until they moved to Frankenmuth, MI in 2019.
Don provided for his family by working for Borden Dairy, driving an ice-cream truck all over central Michigan. The children's friends enjoyed coming over to play games in the basement because they knew the freezer was well stocked with ice-cream treats. Family vacations were spent “at the cabin up north” on Hardwood Lake. After Don and Marcella retired, they spent many winters in Panama City Beach, FL, and Kure Beach, NC, often hosting family and friends to join them at the beach. (Don's family fondly remembers a stirring rendition of the “12 Days of Christmas” while joining Don in the resort hot tub.)
Don is survived by his loving wife, Marcella, and their children and spouses, Wayne and Cathy Austin of South Boardman, MI; Laura and Don Gerken of Saginaw, MI; and Brian and Janet Austin of Apex, NC; 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, Amie Austin Oliva and Mario Oliva (Amara, Arria, and Asher); Jennifer Madajski-Michalik and Brad Michalik (Austin, Rylind, Sophia, and Kendyl); Hannah and Daniel Steitler; Brian and Emily Austin (Adeline); Adam Austin; Keri and Marvin Blair (Edward); and Erik Enevoldsen; his brother Bill Austin of Harrison Mi; sister-in-law Aldia Pavlik, Clairton, PA; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ted and Peggy Desrosier, Saginaw, MI; sister-in-law Mary Lou Desrosier, West Bend, WI; several nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents George and Helen Austin, his parents-in-law Mary and David Desrosier; sister Marilyn Wright; and his beloved daughter Brenda Austin Hunter.
Visitation will take place Thursday, January 7, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602. Rev. Fr. John Mancini will officiate.
For those who wish to partake in the service via zoom, please use the link provided Virtual service for Donald Austin Funeral
Time: Jan 7, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82006230924 Meeting ID: 820 0623 0924
One tap mobile +13017158592,,82006230924# US (Washington D.C)
+13126266799,,82006230924# US (Chicago)
In accordance with current state mandated restrictions, safe distancing and limitations on number gathered within the building will be observed. Attendees are also kindly asked to wear a mask or other facial covering while inside the funeral home, per state requirement. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Saginaw.
In lieu of flowers, you may consider a memorial contribution to the Yellow Ribbon Guard (Attn: Melissa Alex), Post Office Box 31, Bay City, MI 48701, or St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Bridgeport, MI.
For information, please call (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.
Donald Austin was born on December 19, 1926, in Saginaw, MI, the second of three children to George and Helen Austin. At the age of 17, he joined the US Army and served in World War II, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After completing his military service, Don had many adventures living in California and Alaska. In 1948, he met Marcella Desrosier on a blind date with friends Bob Buhl and Sally Brown Peters – a blind date that lasted 70 years. He and Marcella married on September 2, 1950, living in Saginaw and raising their family on Sheridan Road until they moved to Frankenmuth, MI in 2019.
Don provided for his family by working for Borden Dairy, driving an ice-cream truck all over central Michigan. The children's friends enjoyed coming over to play games in the basement because they knew the freezer was well stocked with ice-cream treats. Family vacations were spent “at the cabin up north” on Hardwood Lake. After Don and Marcella retired, they spent many winters in Panama City Beach, FL, and Kure Beach, NC, often hosting family and friends to join them at the beach. (Don's family fondly remembers a stirring rendition of the “12 Days of Christmas” while joining Don in the resort hot tub.)
Don is survived by his loving wife, Marcella, and their children and spouses, Wayne and Cathy Austin of South Boardman, MI; Laura and Don Gerken of Saginaw, MI; and Brian and Janet Austin of Apex, NC; 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, Amie Austin Oliva and Mario Oliva (Amara, Arria, and Asher); Jennifer Madajski-Michalik and Brad Michalik (Austin, Rylind, Sophia, and Kendyl); Hannah and Daniel Steitler; Brian and Emily Austin (Adeline); Adam Austin; Keri and Marvin Blair (Edward); and Erik Enevoldsen; his brother Bill Austin of Harrison Mi; sister-in-law Aldia Pavlik, Clairton, PA; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ted and Peggy Desrosier, Saginaw, MI; sister-in-law Mary Lou Desrosier, West Bend, WI; several nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents George and Helen Austin, his parents-in-law Mary and David Desrosier; sister Marilyn Wright; and his beloved daughter Brenda Austin Hunter.
Visitation will take place Thursday, January 7, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602. Rev. Fr. John Mancini will officiate.
For those who wish to partake in the service via zoom, please use the link provided Virtual service for Donald Austin Funeral
Time: Jan 7, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82006230924 Meeting ID: 820 0623 0924
One tap mobile +13017158592,,82006230924# US (Washington D.C)
+13126266799,,82006230924# US (Chicago)
In accordance with current state mandated restrictions, safe distancing and limitations on number gathered within the building will be observed. Attendees are also kindly asked to wear a mask or other facial covering while inside the funeral home, per state requirement. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Saginaw.
In lieu of flowers, you may consider a memorial contribution to the Yellow Ribbon Guard (Attn: Melissa Alex), Post Office Box 31, Bay City, MI 48701, or St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Bridgeport, MI.
For information, please call (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.
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Memories
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Patsy Barnes
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Dear Marcie, My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this very difficult time. Think good thoughts and happy times we shared. God Bless, Love Nancy.
DT
Dave Tagget
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Dear Austin Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many wonderful memories of hanging out with Brenda and everyone at your family home. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace and blessings,
Dave Tagget
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Judith Nagy
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Because we are so high risk we feel badly about not coming to the funeral home. Know you're all in our thoughts and prayers. Mike & Judy Nagy
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Carolyn Obertein
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I spent a lot of time in Mr. Austin's home when I was in high school with his daughter, Laura. He was always such a kind man. His family always made me feel very welcome. Many, many good memories. My love and prayers go to the family that they will be granted peace at this time of sorrow. Love Carol (Evans) Obertein P.S. Laura stop by anytime. I still live same place on Catterfeld in Bridgeport.
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Amie Austin
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3 files added to the album Memories Album
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Amie Austin
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Memories of the times spent with Grandpa Don always bring a smile to my face. He was quick-witted and had a great chuckle that was always accompanied by a twinkling blink. Grandpa would tell a joke or tease, chuckle, and then blink twice. It makes me laugh now, just picturing him doing it.
In his working years, Grandpa Don would drive his semi to our house. I'd wait on my front porch to see a big Borden's semi pull up out front. Grandpa would jump out of the cab, looking sharp in his uniform. He'd go into the back of the big truck and come out with a dolly full of ice creams, popsicles, and my favorite strawberry-swirl ice cream cups. I thought we were the luckiest family on the planet to have such a special Grandpa, who delivered ice cream goodies by the truckload!
Grandpa was always good about letting me tag along on his adventures. He wouldn't hesitate to let me go with him to a café in downtown Saginaw, or off to the little bar up north. Grandpa would let me order a burger and a Shirley Temple. I'd sit right by his side as he chatted with the locals, or the person standing behind the counter. Grandpa made me feel special just by letting me tag along. He had a charm about him and a funny sense of humor that even a child appreciated.
As an adult, it was fun to hang out with him and hear his stories about the family. We'd wander to the little building out back, where he'd share a story and a drink with me. It was also heartwarming to hear that he treasured our times up north as much as I do.
I'll miss hearing his voice and his chuckle, but I won't forget it. He was a special, spirited and memorable man. ~ We'll all miss you Grandpa.