Steven M. Austin

Steven M. Austin, age 71, of Garretson, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Zion Lutheran Church, Garretson. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Friday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson.

Steven was born on March 10, 1948, at Flandreau, South Dakota, to Melvin and Vivian (Myre) Austin. He grew up in Garretson and attended school there. He entered the United States Army in 1966 and served in Germany during the Vietnam Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1969. On September 26, 1969, Steve married Gail Ann Miller in Lennox. He performed truck body work for Terrace Park Dairy which later became Lakeside Dairy. He later operated his own body shop in Garretson until his health forced his retirement.

Steve was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, and a 51-year member of the Garretson American Legion. He also served for 10 years on the Garretson Fire Department. Steve loved collecting and restoring classic cars…especially Corvettes and Camaros. For years he and Gail attended many Corvette rallies and events. He collected firearms and an avid member of the NRA. He was a skilled trap shooter and a longtime member of the Garretson Sportsman’s Club.

Steve is survived by his wife, Gail, Garretson; daughters: Michelle Ann (Chad) Powers, Woodstock, and April Kay (Nick) Rerick, Sioux Falls; grandchildren: Austin, Lauren, and Erin Powers, and Mason and Mia Rerick; great-grandson, Andrew Dagel; sister-in-law, Sharon Austin, Sioux Falls; and longtime friend, Ted Tonkinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Jerry and Richard.