Lonnie R. Austin

LONNIE AUSTIN

Lonnie Ray Austin, 85, passed from this life into heaven on Wednesday, August 16. He is survived by the love of his life Elizabeth (Mylenki) whom he married 64 years ago on August 22, 1959, and his children: daughter Lynda (Sam) Roller, son Paul (Susan Kirk) Austin, daughter Joy (Blair) Vander Vennen, and son Matt (Amy Mathias) Austin, and his sister, Wanda (Ray) Nielsen. He was Papa to his adored 11 grandchildren. Jenna and Allyson Roller, Morgan and Alex Austin, Hayley, Cassidy, Nick and Zack Vander Vennen, and Mallarie, Rylan, and Trey Austin, and Lonnie’s sister Wanda (Ray) Nielsen. He is preceded in death by his brother Walter, Walter’s wife Leverne, and his brother Marvin.

Lonnie was born on September 14, 1937, and raised in Harvey, Il. He was active in football, basketball, and baseball at Thornton Township High School, lettering in each sport multiple years. Lonnie was always involved in sports, either playing on teams himself, or coaching and refereeing kid sports. He was also a lifelong Cubs fan and was excited to see the team win the World Series in 2016.

Lonnie was a faithful worker for 38 years at Northern Illinois Gas Company. He was in customer service and went out into the field to measure new gas lines. He even had Joy and Matt work with him during some summers. Due to his work ethic, Lonnie was an excellent provider for his family.

Later, he became an avid golfer, although most of his enjoyment came from finding lost golf balls to fill his 5-gallon buckets, which provided balls for his grandchildren and their school’s golf teams.

He was always trying to make people laugh by telling jokes. He was noted for his “Dad Jokes” and was happy to wear his Dad Jokes T-shirt as an opportunity to share his humor with others. We also teased him about his love for ranch dressing which he used generously on many foods not normally associated with ranch dressing. He was proud to wear his T-shirt that says, “I put ranch on my ranch”.

His most satisfying moments were when he and his wife were serving the Lord together, sharing Bible lessons or being small group leaders helping people on their walk with the Lord. He started asking people about themselves when they would serve him in restaurants. This led to many times being allowed to pray for people as they served him. He easily talked to anyone he encountered about Jesus, and his walk with the Lord.

He will be greatly missed by family and friends, until we meet again in the loving arms of Jesus.

His visitation will be held at Kurtz Funeral Home, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL on Wednesday August 23 from 3pm to 8pm. The funeral service will be officiated by his long-time friend, Pastor Brian Kamstra on Thursday August 24 at 10:30am at the funeral home, after a short viewing at 10am. Interment will be private. For information, www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com or 815-806-2225.