Vera M. Austad, age 94, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. She was born at home in Griggs County, North Dakota, to Oliver and Anna Simenson. She graduated from Blair High School in 1943. After high school, she went to work in Washington, D.C., for several years before returning to Wisconsin to work at the Watkins Company. She married Burton Austad in 1949 and they celebrated 61 years together until his death in 2010. Together they owned and operated Burt’s Farm Store in Goodhue for 45 years until their retirement. She resided in Goodhue, Minnesota until her death.
Vera was a long-time member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Goodhue where she served in various leadership roles. She loved her Lord, her family, her church and her friends. She enjoyed making knitted and crocheted baby hats and stocking caps, mittens, sewing blankets and quilts, all for the church’s missions. She volunteered her time to the Republican Party and the American Cancer Society and was a den mother for many years in the Cub Scouts.
Vera is survived by three children: Allen (Vicki), Debbie (Mark) and David (Karleen), her nine grandchildren: Katie, Faith, Eve, Rebecca, Carrie, Aaron, Andrea, Justin and Amanda and eight great grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Barbara Austad, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son Scott, brother James and sister Clarice and brother-in-laws Eldon Austad and Merlin Austad.
A funeral service will be held at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Goodhue, Minnesota, on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at 11 a.m. Visitation is half an hour before the service. A luncheon will be served immediately after the service. A private family graveside burial will be held at Zion Lutheran Church. Social distancing and face masks will be required.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be gifted in Vera’s name to St. Luke Lutheran Church or Zion Cemetery Board.
The family wishes to thank the kind and caring staff of St. Crispin Living Community in Red Wing, Minnesota, for their wonderful care and support given to Vera and her family.
Rochester Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Online memories and condolences of Vera may be made at www.rochestercremationservicesmn.com
Our world is at a loss with Vera’s passing. Vera was the sweetest, kindest lady I knew. Back in the 1989, 90, 91 years, she and Burt were in our loop of friends/acquaintances.
Dear Family, know that Vera will be remembered fondly.
Judy and Keith Johnson
Our world is at a loss with Vera’s passing. Vera was the sweetest, kindest lady I knew. Back in the 1989, 90, 91 years, she and Burt were in our loop of friends/acquaintances.
Dear Family, know that Vera will be remembered fondly.
Judy and Keith Johnson
Sorry to hear of Vera’s passing. I had worked at the store during and after high school. What a super lady she was! May her memory be a blessing for everyone who knew her.
David Dicke
Vera was such an admired lady in St. Lukes Lutheran Church. I so enjoyed her company at Welca meetings, surprise tours, luncheons, quilting days, working group, cleaning days, funeral group, etc. She was so friendly, thoughtful, generous, and helpful. I will fondly keep her memory alive in my heart. She will be missed.
My mother , Florence Bremer, And I grew up with Vera as a role model of a Christian woman at St Luke. She was always so helpful, caring and just a super pleasant lady to be around.