Eunice Austin

Eunice (Wilke) Austin, 87, of Clear Lake, passed away on Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, at the Oakwood Care Center, Clear Lake.

A memorial service to celebrate Eunice’s life was held on Monday, Aug. 24, at the Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 North 4th St., with the Reverend Dennis Ganz officiating.  In lieu of customary remembrances, memorials may be directed in care of her family.

Eunice was born on Feb. 24, 1928 in Waterloo, Wis., to Edna (Wilke) Grossman. She attended Sun Prairie High School in Wisconsin and graduated in 1949. After her graduation Eunice lived in many places: Washington D.C., California, Wisconsin, and in 1971 found herself in Clear Lake. On Nov. 24, 1951, Eunice married Paul Austin and spent many happy years together until his passing in 2004. For 25 years Eunice worked for American Cheeseman, in Clear Lake. After her retirement in 2000, Eunice was able to spend more time on the things she loved. Golfing, playing bridge, listening to music, and working in the garden were some of her favorite pastimes, but most important was the time spent with her loving family and especially her grandchildren.

Eunice is survived by her son, Jeffery (Denice) Austin, of Clear Lake; two grandchildren, Jacob Austin, Ames, Iowa; and Amber Nicole (Jameson) Claerhout, Cambridge, Iowa; sisters, Doreen Miller, and Glorian (Clarence) Melton, both of Wisconsin; a daughter-in-law, Laurie (Mark) Austin-Bennett, Cambridge; brother-in-law, Richard Irelend, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Eunice was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul; son, Joseph Austin; daughter, Deborah Austin; and sisters, Donna Bouvé and Gaylene Irelend.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.