William J. Austin Sr.

Eureka, SD-There will be a Private Family Service for William J. Austin Sr., 86, of Eureka.

Inurnment will be in Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA.

William died October 18, 2021, at his home.

William Joseph was born March 20, 1935, to Raymond G. and Ruth M. (Bubble) Austin in Wilkes-Barre, PA. After graduating from high school, he enlisted into the United States Navy, serving from July 21, 1953, to July 20, 1961.

William was united in marriage to Lorraine Machado for 65 years. He worked for Clayton Manufacturing in Service and Product Development for twenty-five plus years, retiring in 2000. He lived his life in Wharton, NJ (18 yrs.), Hopatcong, NJ (28 yrs.), Riverside, CA (34 yrs.) and Eureka, SD (6 yrs.).

William was a talented craftsman. He played the guitar and sang, including in the church choir. He was a car enthusiast and mechanic.

Grateful for having shared William’s life are his wife, Lorraine; five children, Ruth (Frank) Austin-Ferrara of Mahwah, NJ, Susan Brown-Hudson of Eureka, Linda (Rick) Austin-Wright of Sacramento, CA, William (Lori) Austin Jr. of Allegan, MI and Raymond Austin of Hopatcong, NJ; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

William was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Raymond and Charles and sister, Catherine Austin.

Carlsen Funeral Home of Eureka has been entrusted with arrangements.

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