Fred Lester Austin

Fred Austin, Age 78, of St. Paul Park, Minn. passed away peacefully on July 16, 2024, with family by his side. Fred was born June 22, 1946, in Pequot Lakes, Minn. to Donald and Anna (DouBrava) Austin. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 2 to 5 PM at 1672 14th Avenue; St. Paul Park, MN. Private burial at Oakland Cemetery, Sauk Centre, MN.

Preceded in death by parents Donald, Anna, and Stepfather Spencer Sorenson; brother Kim; sister-in-law Karen; brother-in-law Tom Merimonti; niece Susan Merimonti; and great-nephews Kyle Lagoon and Steven Austin. 

Survived by wife, Prachin (Jim) Austin and step-son Prinya; siblings, Joann (Ed) Gnaedinger, Florence (Fred) Freiderich and Fran Merimonti; nieces, Cathy (Jon) Sheplee, Karrie (Eli) Huber, Sherry (Steve) Lagoon, Cherry (Scott) Schesel, and Tammy (Roger) Ratajczak; nephews, Michael (Cherry) Austin and Bob (Jill) Austin; Tyson, Ryder, and Brody Sheplee; numerous great nieces and nephews; and many other close family and friends. 

Fred grew up in Sauk Centre and later moved to St. Paul, Minn. where he graduated from Mechanical Arts High School. After graduation, he worked as a machinist and eventually became self-employed as a Professional Handyman. He was well-known in the community and was always known to lend a helping hand. Outside of work, his interests included antique cars, being outdoors, and traveling, particularly to Thailand where he would escape the cold Minnesota winters. He loved his cat Fancy, working in his yard and workshop, and regular trips to Menards where everyone knew him well. 

Fred will be remembered for his witty sense of humor and ability to make you laugh. It was hard to take him seriously most of the time. He was well-loved by all, especially his family, and will be greatly missed.