David Clair Austrum

David Clair Austrum, also known as Dad, Papa, Uncle David and Big Dave, passed away at his home in Hudson, WI on August 13 at the age of 80. He was surrounded by his three daughters and wife of 52 years, Murlona. If David had it his way, he would have had his girls live with him forever. At the end, they were by his side, and he was happy.

He was born on May 1, 1945 in Baldwin, WI to Clair and Ethel Austrum. He was the oldest of three children, brother Donald and sister Debra. He graduated from Baldwin High School and received his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Germany from 1967 – 1971. After completing his service, he met Murlona Lahm at a party in Omaha, Nebraska. Initially, Murlona was not going to attend after a long work week (surprising to those who know her, as Murlona loves a party) but she changed her mind. Murlona made her way to the makeshift bar where David was standing. David used the smooth, original pick-up line “So, what are you are drinking?” That started the conversation, and it didn’t stop for the next 52 years. 

They were married June 23, 1973. They welcomed their first daughter Kristin (to David, KR) followed by Kara (KA) and Kael (KL). David and Murlona lived in Omaha, NE, Chicago and Springfield, IL and later moved to Hudson, WI where David spent over 25 years as a Federal Law Enforcement agent working as a U.S. Postal Inspector investigating white collar crime. Due to the mustache, athletic physique and closet of JC Penney suits, there really was no other career choice. 

Outside of work, David was President of the Hudson Basketball Association where he worked with many others giving of their time to help grow and nurture girls basketball. He was an active basketball dad during the day and a strong, contributing “All Call” party goer by night. He was an original, founding member of his beloved Hudson Cigar Club, a club of guys who have been meeting monthly for 27 years to smoke cigars over good food and drinks, but more so to enjoy each other’s company and share their lives as dear friends. David enjoyed annual fishing trips to Canada, golfing, mowing the lawn with the John Deere tractor, reading and vacationing with his family and friends. 

David loved being part of the Rush River Lutheran Church congregation in River Falls, WI where he was baptized and confirmed. Over the years he was the emcee of the annual church Bunco game night where he spent hours researching and preparing his jokes and monologue, a key component of any good game show emcee. He was a member of the Men in Mission committee, the Cemetery Clean Up committee, and one of the higher-ranking dishwashers at the annual Harvest Dinner. David held the members of his church family in high regard and close to his heart. 

Above all, David’s favorite part of life was family. David’s heart could not have been more full than when he was with his extended family of siblings, nieces and nephews and even more so when he was surrounded by his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. The pride, joy, happiness and love he had for his grandchildren was abundant. He could never see enough pictures, hear enough stories or share enough experiences with them. This summer, his family celebrated “Milestone Birthdays”; David’s 80th, Donald’s 75th and Debra’s 70th. At the celebration, David said “Family is the most important and cherished thing in life. Above all, family.”

Thank you to all his friends, old and new. David’s life was so full and fun because you were in it. Thank you to O’Connell Funeral Home. Thank you to the Hudson Hospital staff. The family would also like to say the most heartfelt thank you to St. Croix Hospice, especially his nurse, Randi and social worker, Jill. The care, patience, time, guidance, support and encouragement they provided David and his family the last week of his life is nothing short of God sent. Thank you for what you do. You will always be part of the story. 

To his wife and daughters, David was the best husband and father. He took care of all of us and that was his life’s joy. As much as we want him with us, the memories and stories we have of him will be with us for the rest of our lives. He will never leave our hearts, and we will never, ever forget him. He will be greatly missed.

David is survived by his wife Murlona, his daughters Kristin Austrum (Matt Angleson), Kara Mickolichek (Chris), Kael Peterson (Bryan), his grandsons Leo and Miles Angleson, Beckett Peterson and granddaughter Alyson Mickolichek, his brother Donald (Loree), his sister Debra Holmlund (Peder), along with nieces and nephews. 

A visitation will be held at O’Connell Funeral Home in Hudson, WI on Thursday, August 21st from 4-7pm. The funeral will be held at Rush River Lutheran Church in River Falls, WI on Friday, August 22nd at 2pm with a 1pm visitation prior and meal to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the non-profits David supported.

Twenty-Two Farms Animal Sanctuary, Baldwin, WI

Salvation Army Grace Place Shelter, New Richmond, WI