Milford Austin

MILFORD A. AUSTIN, age 88, of Kaneville, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love and prayers of his family at Autumn Leaves of St. Charles, where he had recently made his home, Tuesday, June 17, 2014. He was born January 7, 1926, in Independence, WI, the son of Helmer and Julia (Wik) Austin. Milford grew up in the Independence area attended local schools. He worked hard on his schooling but even harder before and after classes on the family farm. He toiled in the fields from "sun-up" to "sundown" before hearing the call of his country. Milford enlisted into the United States Army on July 27, 1947. He faithfully served his country while alongside his brothers in arms as a Staff Sargent and medic in Korea. Upon his honorable discharge on July 27, 1953, Milford returned to civilian life. Milford was lucky in love when he found Norma Ellingson. They were united in marriage on April 15, 1953 in Whitehall, WI, sharing their love for the next 57 years. They began their life together in Wisconsin for a time before moving to St. Charles, IL to continue raising their family that would eventually include four children. In 1990 they moved once more to Kaneville, IL. After Norma’s passing in 2010, Milford made a home in Southern Illinois before making back north.Although his roots were in farming, after coming back overseas, Milford found work in the manufacturing sector. He worked as an upholsterer for Howell Company in St. Charles for many years. After they closed their doors, Milford found odd jobs here and there but was content to fade into retirement with a satisfied smile on his face. Milford loved his garden, especially when it was overflowing with flowers and vegetables. Milford would take the family back north Wisconsin during the summer where he would indulge in his love for fishing. He also like to play cards and was Cribbage Family Champion for many years. His family was his number one priority and he was never happier then when he was surrounded by his children, and most especially his grandchildren. He never missed a game or school function as they were growing up and spent hours helping them to practice in the back yard. He is survived by three children:Linda (Larry) Hudgens of Grant Park, IL and Mitch (Karen) Austin of Hoffman, TX;Stephanie (Mike) Ritz of DeKalb, IL;Seven grandchildren:Travis Hudgens, Rebecca (Jeff) Boatman, Lori (J.C.) David, Teri Johnson, Stephanie (Dan) Freeman, Dustin Ritz and Desiree Ritz;Twelve great-grandchildren:One sister, Ruth (Lyman) Swaim of Batavia, IL, Many nieces, nephews and a family of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Norma, son Jeff Austin, twin daughters, Ruth and Rose who died in infancy and five siblings: Vivian McKinney, Waldo, Howard, Merle, and Floyd Austin.Visitation will be from 10a.m. to 12 p.m. with a service to celebrate his life to follow on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St. Elburn, IL. Interment will follow at Kaneville Cemetery, Kaneville, IL. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Milford’s name. Checks may be made to the "Milford Austin Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.