The Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin community is mourning the death of beloved native and former longtime baseball coach, Joseph E. Austin.
According to his obituary, Joseph ‘Joe’ Austin passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the age of 92, leaving his family and loved ones devastated.
Born on January 21, 1933, to his late parents, Howard and Evelyn Austin, Joe was a cherished member of the Wisconsin Rapids sports community and touched the lives of many youths through his remarkable coaching.
He was a member of the Wisconsin Rapids American Legion Post #9, a local chapter of the American Legion that sponsors youth baseball teams, including the Wisconsin Rapids Rangers and Ramblers.
Similarly, Joseph Austin served as the Little League Baseball coach in Wisconsin Rapids for over thirty years, guiding young athletes and leading them to several victories.
His love for sports was immense. In his spare time, Joe loved watching local high school athletics and Legion Baseball games.
Joseph Austin’s contribution to the Wisconsin community as an exceptional coach and avid sports fan will always be remembered.
Late Joseph Austin Also Served in The U.S. Army
In addition to being an amazing coach, Joseph Austin was also a great Army officer veteran who proudly served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955.
Likewise, after serving his country, Joe began his career as a truck driver for Consolidated Papers and held that position for years.
He also worked in maintenance at Witter Field throughout his life and was an active member of the community, involving himself in several activities.
The passing of Joseph Austin has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late Joseph and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Joe is survived by his sons, Jeff and Jerry Austin, his daughters-in-law, Mary Lou and Kim, grandchildren, Sam (Adam) Beyer, Jake (Maddy) Austin, Bobby (Hannah) Austin, and Becca Austin (Andrew Walker), his great-grandchildren, Joey, Patrick, Damien, and Theo, his siblings, Grace Martin, Leonard (Patsy) Austin, John Austin, Richard (Iane) Austin, Marian (Jim) Thurber, Dorothy (Al) Brod, and Catherine Raleigh, as well as his entire family.
Joseph Austin is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice Austin. Janice McGuire Austin passed away earlier this year on November 18, 2025, at the age og 86.
The couple tied the knot on April 12, 1958, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids and were happily married for over 65 years.
The Austin family has organized a funeral service for the late Joseph E. Austin on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic church.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 noon at the church. Entombment will be held at Forest Hill Mausoleum in Wisconsin Rapids with military honors from Wisconsin Rapids American Legion Post #9.
