Michael M. Austen

Michael Merle Austen passed away Monday, October 10 2017 at the age of 65. He was born June 1, 1952 in Fairbury, Nebraska to Wesley Austen and Lillian McGinty Austen, both deceased.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Perry Austen of Roland, Arkansas; sister, Teresa Hoover (Jim) of Manton, Michigan: brother, Kim Austen (Jean) of Ankeny, Iowa: brother, David Austen of North Little Rock, Arkansas and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mike was an avid outdoorsman his entire life, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in his youth. He attended Fairbury High School, graduating in 1970. He attended Fairbury Junior College, and the University of Nebraska, graduating in 1975 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad, retiring as a Chief Track Inspector in 2007.

He was a collector of anything railroad related as well as stamp collecting. As an active rock and mineral collector he served as President of the Central Arkansas Gem, Mineral and Geology Society.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rock Creek Station State Historical Park.   Service will be Saturday, October 14 ^th at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be at Fairbury Cemetery following the service.