Gerald "Jerry" Austgen

Gerald “Jerry” Austgen

June 4, 1929 – November 17th 2024

Jerry was born June 4th 1929 in his parent’s home in St. John Township, Indiana on property that was originally farmed & owned by his grandfather. The oldest son of William and Loretta (Wehner) Austgen. He was one of 8 kids. His siblings named in order, Clarence, Roy, Alberta, Ida Mae, Tommy, Danny & Mary. He is survived by Alberta and Mary.

As a young man, Jerry worked at Lake Hills Golf Course. This is where he developed his love for golf and became an avid golfer. He was a superb golfer and needed a trophy room for all of his tournament wins. He enjoyed playing golf for many years and when he could no longer play you could always find him watching a game on TV. Golf was his 2nd love only topped by his wife Anastasia Denger.

Jerry married the love of his life Anastasia “Stacy” Denger on November 4 th 1950. In 1952 Jerry was drafted into the Army and was stationed in Germany post WWII. The newlyweds were apart for a couple of years, but when Jerry had leave, his beloved Aunt Madge and Uncle John Woronka lent him the money to come home to visit his beautiful wife. There is an entire box of Love letters they saved from their time apart. In January of 1954 Jerry was discharged and returned home to his lovely wife & son William “Bill”. With the help of his Uncle John, he was working a new job at Youngstown Sheet & Tube within 24 hours of arriving home. Jerry had a 19-year career at the Steel Mill. In between this time Jerry and Stacy had 4 more kids; Bernard “Bernie”, Susan Karvasale, Elizabeth “Liz” Jackson & Jane Urbanski.

In 1969 Jerry moved onto a new adventure with his brother Roy and they purchased Dyer Vault company. He spent his life working hard providing for his family and building their business. Jerry enjoyed making concrete products and driving the semi-truck making deliveries. He made many great friendships and enjoyed 46 years at Dyer Vault until his daughter Susan took over the business. 

The last 8 years of Jerry’s life were spent in Omaha, Nebraska. He enjoyed his time sharing his wit and wisdom and with his grandchildren and making many new friends around town and at church. St. James Catholic Church became a very special place after his wife passed in 2016 and they really wrapped their arms around him and cared for him with Love. Jerry was independent and drove until April of this year. He loved going to his little restaurant joints around town and enjoying the occasional baby cone from Zestos. “They knew what he wanted when they saw him coming.”

Jerry has 13 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren. He has a unique and special relationship with each one. His Grandchildren include: Tom Karvasale, Patty Austgen, Jerry Karvasale, Kimmy Austgen, Stephanie (Jackson) Watts, Christopher Austgen, Anastasia (Jackson) Zickefoose, Lindsey (Austgen) Liesenfelt, Kenny Jackson, Tim Urbanski, Matt Urbanski, Lucas Urbanski, Joey Urbanski. His Great- Grandchildren are: Katie Karvasale, Aubri Stahl, Riley Vance, Chase Foos, Ryker Watts, Kenny Jackson, Caleb Karvasale, Kieran Jackson, Stevie Watts, Aubrey Karvasale, Benjamin Jordan Lowe IV, Jonah Karvasale.

Jerry will be remembered for the beautiful life he & Stacy had together for 65 years. His love of Golf, His business and the generosity to anyone who needed help. His legacy is his family and a life well lived until God said “I’m calling you home my Good & Faithful Servant.”

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Anastasia “Stacy” Austgen, his son Bernard Austgen and son-in- law Kenny Jackson.

Jerry is survived by his Children: William Austgen (Linda Savage), Susan Karvasale (Tom Karvasale), Elizabeth Jackson (John Kimsey), Jane Urbanski (Joe Urbanski). 13 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren, Many Nieces, Nephews, God Children and Cousins.

Omaha Visitation & Funeral Mass

Visitation – Friday November 22, 2024 at St. James Catholic Church 9:30 – 10:30 A.M.

Funeral Mass – Friday November 22, 2024 at St. James Catholic Church 10:30 A.M.

To view the funeral Mass, go to:  https://heartstreaming.link/gerald-jerry-austgen 

Indiana Memorial Service & Burial

Memorial Service - Saturday December 7, 2024 at Fagen Miller Funeral Home (St. John) 9 - 10:30 A.M.

Burial – St. Michael Catholic Church immediately following Memorial Service.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials can be made in Geralds name to St. James Catholic Church, 4710 N 90th St.

Omaha, NE 68134

John A. Gentleman Mortuaries and Crematory

14151 Pacific Street

Omaha, NE. 68154

402-391-1664

www.johnagentleman.com