Curtis E. Austin, Janesville/Milton  (1915 - 2009)

November 2, 1915 - June 19, 2009
Curtis E. Austin, born to Mary (Hume) Austin and John A. Austin on Nov. 2, 1915, and long time resident of the Janesville-Milton area, died early Friday morning, June 19, 2009, at 93, in his current place of residence at the Milton Senior Living Center in Milton, WI. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his dear wife, of 55 years, Joan (Gray) Austin, on Nov. 23, 2008, and three sisters, Helen, fatally injured in the tornado of Nov. 11, 1911, Hazel (Mark) Campbell and Florence (Gerald) Ferdon.
He is survived by his children, Lynn (Don) Broesch of Germantown, WI, and Steven G (Kristi) Austin of Middleton. He was the proud grandfather of three grandsons: Jace Austin (Sarah) Barbera of Savage, MN, Nick Stephen (Sara) Barbera of Menomonee Falls, WI and Derek Condon Austin of Middleton, WI. He was also the great-grandfather of Carson James Barbera and Lauren Christy Barbera of Savage, MN.
He is survived, as well, by two siblings, a loving sister, Marion (Robert) Brose of Janesville, and a dear brother, J. Kenneth Austin (Noreen) of Janesville, and a brother-in-law, Ross (Shirley) Gray of Janesville. Additionally he is survived by numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Curtis, known to most as “Curt” and to his Masonic brethren as “Curti,” was a farmer all of his life, raising champion quality beef cattle and growing seed corn on his 260 plus acre farm, located on Hyw. 26. He sold the farm and retired at age 60, then built a new home on Pleasant Hill Drive, where he resided with Joan for the next 30 years.
Those who knew him, remember he especially enjoyed good food, be it a home made fresh grown strawberry shortcake or a great steak or fish fry in one of his favorite local restaurants. Many will recall seeing him dining out, over the years, with Joan and other friends or family.
His Masonic background is extensive. A few of his ‘too numerous to mention’ accomplishments in the many Masonic Orders with which he was affiliated, include being raised to Master Mason in Milton Lodge No. 161 in 1938; serving as Master in 1945 and 1966; becoming a dual member of Janesville Lodge No.55 in January 1987 and ultimately becoming well known in Masonic circles, throughout the state and the nation, when he was elected, to serve as the Grand Commander of the Commandery of Knights Templar of Wisconsin, in 1986. In this capacity he and his wife, Joan, traveled to all the states, except Alaska, making many new and lasting friendships.
Curt was an outdoor enthusiast and for recreation, took up golf. He was most happy playing weekly games with his golfing buddies, right through his 91st year. His life long church affiliation was the First Congregational Church of Milton, WI, though, in recent years he found additional comfort and solace in the Milton United Methodist Church. There are many who will miss and speak fondly of this quiet man who loved nature and saw God there, as he tilled his land and harvested his crops.
Thanks go out to all who have helped the family through the past few years of injury and difficult times, including, especially, the friends who visited, as well the caregivers and volunteers at the Milton Senior Living Center, Milton, WI. Additionally, special thanks goes to Heartland Hospice for their assistance in helping to keep Curt independent and in his pleasant surroundings.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 6:30 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2009. This will be preceded, at 5:30 p.m., by an informal time to greet family members. Both will be held at the WHITCOMB-LYNCH-ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOME in Milton, WI. Memorial gifts can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.