JAY AUSTIN

     Jay Leslie Austin, 54, of Black River Falls passed away peacefully in Chetek, WI, July 13, 2022. He was born March 23, 1968, in Rockford, IL, to Robert and Shirley Austin. He married Michelle Blaschke April 15, 2003, in Las Vegas, NV.

     He graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1986. He was known as a social butterfly and well-liked by all who knew him. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps after graduation and was honored to serve the country he loved so much and then went on to have a successful career as a dispatcher at Millis Transfer.

     He served as a volunteer firefighter and first responder on the Merrillan Fire Department. He had a passion for travel and enjoyed cruising. Every opening rifle season, he would be found up north at deer camp with his close friends. Every opening fishing weekend, you could find him on the water catching his limit of pan fish for the next Sherman fish fry. If you knew Jay, you knew he loved to collect piggy banks and go antiquing. He also loved watching songbirds out his living room window. If he wasn’t on the water or up north, you would find him sitting in his recliner with his dogs on his lap. He was a dedicated NASCAR, NFL, and Diners Drive-Ins & Dives fan. If you didn’t like the Chicago Bears, Jay would attempt to convince you otherwise.

     He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and great friend. Spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, was his all-time favorite thing to do. His smile and infectious laugh could light up a room or brighten your day. He was known for talking to everyone and anyone. He was kind and never minded sharing a corny joke. He will be dearly missed by all that had the pleasure of being a part of his life.

     He is proceeded in death by his father, Robert Austin.

     He is survived by his wife, Michelle Austin, his children, Abigail (Waylon) Westby, Jacob (Jordan) Austin and Emily (Dakotah) O’Neil; his grandchildren, Leyland, Wyatt, William, Conner, Sawyer and Rory; his Mother; Shirley Austin; sisters Angela (Andy) Sherman and Ashley (Chris) Brown.

     There will be a celebration of life July 23 at the Lunda Community Park lower-level shelter from 4 to 7 p.m. All friends and family are welcome to attend. We ask you wear your favorite NASCAR, Hawaiian or NFL shirts in honor of Jay.

     The Buswell Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements.