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Jerry Austin Obituary
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the school gymnasium in St. Michael. Jerry will be laid to rest near his home at the west cemetery in St. Michael.
Jerry was born on June 10, 1947, in Seattle, where he lived before coming to Alaska in 1969. Jerry was an Iditarod Hall of Fame musher, a 41-year Alaska Bush entrepreneur and a big-game hunting and fishing guide. Jerry met and married Clara Lockwood in St. Michael, where they resided and raised their four children and seven grandchildren. The entire family spent their summers and winters at their Golsovia River Lodge, 40 miles up the coast from St. Michael.
Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Jerrine May, who died in 1985, and his father-in-law, Lawrence G. Lockwood Sr., who died in 1999.
Jerry is survived by his father; Walter Austin of Seattle; brother, Jim Austin of Seattle; wife, Clara Austin of St. Michael; mother-in-law, Irene Lockwood of St. Michael; daughter, Dena Austin; daughter and son-in-law, Jerrine and Louie Ambrose; daughter, Charlene Austin; son, Anthony Austin; grandchildren, Skye Shears, Autumn Austin, Hailey, Mathias and Kaleb Ambrose, Zachariah Austin, Jacelyn Austin, and a granddaughter on the way, all of whom reside in St. Michael.
Clara and her family can be reached in St. Michael at 907-923-3281 and 923-2419
Arrangements were made by Anchorage Funeral Home & Crematory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Austin
Sponsored by A Friend.
Richard Beck
May 31, 2023
Very much enjoyed Jerry's wit and warmth during my fishing trip with him and his wife Clara and his children. Jerry's card tricks were great, too.
Richard Beck
May 18, 2012
I am heartbroken as only today did I read about Jerry's death. He was a man of great patience, wisdom and caring. Several years ago I fished with Jerry at his lodge and had the best experience of my life. Jerry, Clara, Tony, Skye and all the Austin's couldn't have treated me with more caring and dignity than if I was one of their family. May Jerry's memory be a constant source of comfort and joy to all his family members, fellow fishermen, mushers and hunters who knew this remarkable man. The world is a better place for having had Jerry grace us with his presence during his lifetime. With sincere condolences to Clara and all of your family.
Richard Beck, New York City
David Kempson
June 14, 2011
I am saddened to learn of Jerry's passing - my thoughts are with Clara and family.
I will never forget my greatest vacation ever with Jerry and the dog team. Jerry and his family were great company and made me feel very welcome a long way from my home. I only knew him for a few days but his memory will be with me forever. Rest easy big man.
Lee Bassett
January 18, 2011
Dear Austins,
I learned of Jerry's passing yesterday. I am so sorry. Jerry and I were buddies in secondary school and college. We both enjoyed mountain climbing. I remember his enthusiasm for hunting, camping, and climbing and have enjoyed learning of his accompllishments over the years. I gather from others' comments that he never lost the love of telling a good story. I am sorry to be so late in writing this note. With sincere condolences,
per Holmgren
December 2, 2010
This was sad to see!
Thanks for giving us the moust exithing year of ouer life!
Dear Inger and Per
Joe Heeney
August 19, 2010
I was fortunate enough to spend my 50th birthday on a mushing trip with Jerry, Clara, Glenn & Kate in 2002. I learned so much more then how to handle a dog team. I learned how to laugh at myself when falling off the sled & watching the dogs keep right on moving, how to enjoy the smell of Artic Hare soup when Jerry got one on the way back to camp,How to enjoy every minute of life & not to waste it.. These things i learned because Jerry & Clara Austin made me feel like I was with old friends from the moment they met the plane until I got back on it to leave .
Thanks for a wonderful experience.. You will be in my prayers ..
August 9, 2010
August 10, 2010
I heard that Jerry passed away. This was somewhat of a chock for me and Malte. We had a very special time up in Golsovia River with Jerry and his family. Our memories of our salmonfishing and the Austin-family will always stay with us. We send our thoughts to Clara and the children.
Per Palmer and Malte Astrom/ Sweden
Kate Dahowski
July 1, 2010
Just look at how many lives Jerry has touched! Everyone has special memories that involve Jerry because you couldn't meet him and know him and not be drawn in! He was loveable, knowlegable and outrageous too. And when I didn't want to throttle him I wanted to thank him for providing some of the best life experiences I've had! I had the absolute pleasure and priviledge of working for him for 2 years and wouldn't trade those years for ANYTHING! To this day I tell people it was the best job I've ever had and what a boring job it would have been without THE Jerry Austin...after all, there is only one!
I would like to offer my condolences to the lovely Austin's, Clara, Dena, Char, Tony and Jerraine and of course to Glenn and Skye too! As much as I will shed tears for Jerry I will be comforted in knowing that Jerry lived his life to the fullest, and got up each day doing the job he loved, in the place he loved, surrounded by his amazing family!
Ronald Hugo
June 23, 2010
Clara and family, I am so saddened to hear of Jerry's Passing please know that I have tought of Jerry often and I know it is because of his great skill that I was finally able to take my first Grizzly in 1998. I will never forget him as I am sure many others will not.
Tony and Yvonne Sarren
June 15, 2010
Clara, kids and grands:
Sincerest condolences to you all. May the presence of the comforting Holy Spirit be with you during the seasons to come. He was and is one unforgettable person. Thank you for sharing him with all the rest of Alaska and beyond with his mushing.
June 14, 2010
The first year I ran the Iditarod, we were traveling close from White Mtn. to Nome, and from Safety he encouraged me - telling me you can pass those teams, and I passed 5 teams. I made rookie that year and for being a rookie he gave me a $1000.00 out of his own pocket. I remember his kindness. May the Lord give his family strength and comfort. Sonny Russell, Kotzebue
Becky Long
June 11, 2010
I will never forget when in 1992 or so when my husband and I were traveling to Unalakleet and our boat motor broke down. We were out by Egg Island. We got ahold of Mr. Austen on the VHF radio and he stayed with us and talked us into Klikitarik. He saved us that day. Rest in peace.
Karen Sonray
June 10, 2010
We knew very well Jerry's mother, Jerrine May, when we lived in Goldendale , Wa. My husband officiated at her funeral there 25 yrs. ago. My daughter Sarah's middle name is "Jerrine" after Jerry's dad's name. She was full of life , an accomplished journalist and a great sense of humor. She could tell the best stories. Although we didn't know Jerry well, we imagine he got a lot of her best qualities. Whenever Jerry Austin was mentioned, we thought of her and read intently. God bless your family during this sad time. Sincerely, Pastors George and Karen Sonray, Anchorage Alaska.
June 10, 2010
Clara, Dena, Jerrine, Char and Tony, and your families! Clara, the memories we have of Golsovia and our kids meeting almost every summer there are so special to us. I smile as I remember them. "The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace". Much love, Weaver & Luci
Ike Towarak
June 10, 2010
On behalf of Unalakleet, I would like to thank the Austin family for sharing a good life with us. He made sure a lot of fuel was delivered to the Norton Sound and the Yukon River. We have a warm heart for him as he grew into a legend.
June 9, 2010
deena you have my deepest heartfelt sympathy and thoghts may god bless you and yours your friendjim friedman eggman in emo
Paige Myomick
June 9, 2010
Prayers and thoughts are with you all, Austin family. Although i didn't know Jerry that well, i know he was a good man. May he rest in peace. Hugs to Clara, Char, Jerrine, Dena, Tony and grandkids.
Tom Niedenfuer
June 9, 2010
Clara and family, my thoughts are with you. Had the pleasure of Jerry's company and hospitality for 2 salmon trips, the stories, laughter, and memories will last a lifetime. He was truly one of a kind. All my best, Tom Niedenfuer
Cassandra Myomick
June 9, 2010
Austin Family, God Bless you all. He will be dearly missed. May Jerry Rest in Peace.
June 9, 2010
Thank-you Jerry Austin family, you have done so much for our families!!! I give you my prayers and love. Psalm 100,NIV Sincerely, John and Virginia Shipton and family Praise the Lord!!!!
LaVerne Anagick
June 9, 2010
Clara, Dena, Jerrine, Char, Tony and grandchildren my condolences to you all, may God comfort you and strengthen you as you go through tough times.
Ted and Laurine Domke
June 9, 2010
My wife and I will always be grateful to the Austin family. Thank you for the years of employment, for being a great mentor, and friend. We will miss you.
mr&mrs mike shelikoff
June 8, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Charles Swanson
June 8, 2010
It is a honor to have had the chance to become an aquintance to Jerry Austin. A person with a celebrity type status, recognized by the people of Alaska, not as a First Place finisher in the Iditarod, but a Champion in the hearts of many. I did not get to really know Jerry, but being friends with his children, I can tell how great a person he was. Since I have worked in St. Michael over the last few years, I can see the tight knit family bond of the Austins and have shared that on occasion, being invited into their house.
Clara, Dena, Jerrine, Charlene, and Tony, I am sorry this day has come, but make it a day of great memories of Jerry.
mr &mrs mike shelikoff
June 8, 2010
clara,dena,jerrine,char,and tony
its so sad to see jerry go,he was a good man always cheerful .we all have good memories of him.MAY HE REST IN PEACE , GODS BLESSINGS.
My beautiful parents, Jerry & Clara
Charlene Austin
June 8, 2010
Dad & Son, Tony
Charlene Austin
June 8, 2010
Dad, Jerrine, Dena, Charlene
Charlene Austin
June 8, 2010
Dad and one his favorite dogs, Buck
Charlene Austin
June 8, 2010
Jerry & life long friend, Bill Crawford
Charlene Austin
June 8, 2010
Sonny Linder, Rick Swenson, Dad
Charlene Austin
June 8, 2010
My dad when he was in highschool.
Charlene Austin
June 8, 2010
Jeff Erickson
June 8, 2010
Not enough room to share all of the good memories we have had with Jerry and you all. So many classic moments and hilarious times. He was one-of-a-kind --- a man among men. Even tonight watching the ball game I thought of watching with him last year. He'll never be forgotten, and will live on in the lives of his family. We will always be here for you.
Edna Peters
June 8, 2010
Dear Clara and kids, Emmitt and I are so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Emmitt considered him one of his best friends and travelling companion. We send our deepest condolences and will pray for you and the family. Let us know if there is anything we can do. Love, Emmitt and Edna, and boys
Jane & Tim Whaling
June 8, 2010
We will always cherish our times with your family in St. Michael. Saturday night steams at the Austin's were wonderful. Tim loved the winter moose hunts in Golsovia. I can remember him coming home from one of those trips and he looked like an iceman! Jerry was a wonderful man and our memories of him and your family are some of our fondest.
Jolene Sharpe
June 8, 2010
Dena,
I'm sorry you have to endour the loss of your dad. No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
June 7, 2010
Dear Clara and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Jerry's death. I have such fond memories of my visit to St. Michael and mushing with you & Jerry to your river lodge a few years ago. Jerry's stories were the best, and Clara, your cooking was delicious. I have very fond memories of Tony, too. What a wonderful young man he is.
Your hospitality and warmth will never be forgotten. I have wanted to return to St. Michael ever since I left and visit with both of you again. Perhaps this winter, around Iditarod time, I will have a chance to visit with you, Clara, and pay my respects to Jerry.
Huggs and prayers to you.
Sandy Darlington, Philadelphia, PA
Josephine Ambridge
June 7, 2010
I am sorry to hear about Jerry, I remember him from My Great Grandma Kalland stories and seeing him race thru Kaltag as a young girl. He was a beautiful person and caring to all those whose lives he passed thru. May God Bless your family and keep your memories happy.
Willa Towarak Eckenweiler
June 7, 2010
Clara and family...God be with you till we meet again.. You and Jerry have always been so gracious! We were also invited into your home and cabin for a good cup of coffee! We will miss bumping into Jerry out in the hills and rivers of our country...peace to his memory...Gary and Willa
Michael Valentich
June 7, 2010
Dear Clara and Family,
We have many great memories of Jerry from all the good times spent fishing the Golsovia. He was surely one of a kind. Our sympathies to you and your family. God Bless.
Michael and Griffin Valentich
Sarasota, FL
Jackie & Mike Roach
June 7, 2010
My husband and I were fortunate and blessed to be part of the last sled dog trip this season in March.
Some of our favorite memories were in Jerry & Clara's home listening to Jerry share stories of Iditarod races past and times he shared with his family.
We both are saddened to hear the news of Jerry's death. I always expected to return to St. Michael for more of Jerry's teasing and laughter. We will miss him.
Our hearts are with Clara and the family.
Joe Holden
June 7, 2010
Clara, Sorry to hear of your loss. I am the guy who popped out of the clouds after icing up over the Nulato Hills and landed, kissed the ground, said a prayer. When I looked up you folks were cooking beaver for your dogs. We had a nice visit, that was around 1979. Time for me to say another prayer. God bless you and your family. Joe Holden, Petersburg, Alaska
Sam n Nita Towarak
June 6, 2010
We were weather bound and waited out the storm across the Golsovia river from Jerry and Clara's camp. Jerry yelled and motioned us to come over to his place, we complied. He and his wife fixed us up coffee and snacks--he told us he was worried that a bear coming straight toward us might attack. We thanked he and Clara for their generosity. Jerry was a considerate man, a Vista volunteer, who contributed to the Norton Sound in many other ways. We will miss him as we travel down the coast this year......Our condolences: Sam and Nita (and with us at the time were Herb & Lorena )
Tom Yahraes
June 6, 2010
I had the pleasure of living in St. Mike for three years. I was a teacher and Jerry allowed me to travel out to the Golsovia and share some drinks and some stories. Jerry was the greatest story teller I knew, and when the drinks smoothed everyone out and the atmosphere became easy, he was the best at having everyone around him share a story. He was like an orchestra conductor getting everyone to celebrate their stories until the wee hours of the morning, whether it be summer or winter. He always had a drink and smile ready for me and I will miss him very much.
Darrin Lee Heidi Sutter
June 6, 2010
Your legacy continues in the stories which you have given us.
June 6, 2010
Dear Clara,
I am just an Iditarod fan down in Ohio and admired Jerry very much. I always thought about doing one of his sled dog tours when time would permit it. I remember all the raves about your cooking. I am sure you and your family will miss him very much as even my world is saddened by his passing and I only know him by reputation. Blessings to all of you.
Marlyn Pleiman, Findlay, Ohio
Wayne Maloney
June 6, 2010
Jerry was a wonderful person to interview: generous with his time, always ready with a great quote. I mourn his passing and will miss him, as will all who knew him.
Wayne Maloney
former News Director,
KYAK/KENI Radio
Mark Thompson
June 6, 2010
Thanks for so much. Go in Peace, my friend...
James & Priscilla Kameroff
June 6, 2010
We didn't know Jerry personally but knew him through the radio world when he used to run the iditarod with his dog team. We are very sorry to hear of his death.
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