Harold T. Austin

Harold T. Austin, 90, of Machesney Park, died on Monday, May 19, 2025. He was born June 14, 1934, on the family farm in Wilmington, IL to George T. and E. Pearl (Howard) Austin. He graduated from ISU and went to work for the US Department of Agriculture before returning to campus to manage the University Farm. He later returned to the USDA and stayed until his retirement in 1989.

Harold married Mary Lou Grunwald in 1955, while at ISU. They raised three children, Sue (Christopher McGrath) of Milford, MI, Cyndi Klinger of Machesney Park, IL and Tom (Linda) Austin of Peoria, IL. They also had two grandchildren, of whom they were immensely proud, Kayla (Trish) Luke of Holland, MI and Ben Austin of Titusville, FL. In 1985, Harold married Dolores Stocker. They were married for 21 years before her death on July 11, 2006.

Harold was a farmer, an avid fisherman and a great auto mechanic. His children will miss the vast knowledge he had on so many topics and the great advice he was always happy to share. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, sister Dorothy Locke, brother Wayne Austin, special stepdaughter and son-in-law Delores and Gerry Talbott and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers George and Walter Austin, sister Ruth Trusheim and wife Dolores.

Memorial Mass at 11 a.m., Monday, June 2, 2025, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave, Loves Park, IL. Private inurnment. Visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to service in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Bridget Catholic Church or The Alzheimer’s Association. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.