Russell Austin, 76, died Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD.  Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Sunday, March 8 at Scandia Lutheran Church in Centerville, SD, followed by a prayer service at 7:00 PM.  Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, March 9 at the church.

Russell was born August 8, 1943 to Everett and Elsie (Johnson) on his family farm near Centerville, SD.  This farm has been in the Austin family for 128 years.  When he was 3 years old, his mother passed away.  He was devoted to his dad and they spent many hours together riding on the machines and farming the fields before Russell began country school.  He attended all 8 grades at Northwest School with his 5 classmates.  He then attended Centerville High School where he participated in basketball and track.  He enlisted in the South Dakota Air National Guard.

At the drive-in diner in Beresford, he met his future wife, Donna Twite.  They married on July 31, 1965 and were blessed with their 2 children, Todd and Janna.

Russell was born to be a farmer.  The Austin family was honored as a Quasquicentennial Farm (125 years) at the State Fair in 2017.  He was persistent and could fix anything.  If he needed something, he would design it and make it.  The family still uses the "bean buggy" that he designed.  He loved raising and caring for his animals, especially his bottle calves.  He was a lifetime member of Scandia Lutheran where he was baptized and confirmed. He also served on church council.  His heart was with his family and he enjoyed playing with his children and grandchildren.  He was their biggest fan and greatest supporter as he cheered them on in their activities.

Russell is survived by his wife, Donna, Centerville; his son, Todd (Jeana) Austin, Viborg, SD; his daughter, Janna (Travis) Aslesen, Howard, SD; 5 grandchildren, Elsie, Sam, Abby, Jake and Zac; 2 sisters, Annadell Norling, Beresford, SD and Audry Poppenga, Lennox, SD; and 2 sisters-in-law, RoseMarie Austin, Centerville, SD and Marion Neuroth, Beresford, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Elsie; his brothers, Lester, Howard and Ronald; and his sister, Beverly Ludem an.