Gerald “Jerry” Richard Austin, age 77, of Hillsdale, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Jerry was born in Tuscola, Illinois, on October 2, 1947, to Orville and Genevieve Austin. He married the love of his life, Karin, on October 1, 1993, and they shared 31 years of marriage. Jerry lived an adventurous and hard-working life, holding many careers over the years. He worked as a meat cutter for A&P, Kroger, and Kazmaier’s in Perrysburg, Ohio. He also delivered Andersen windows. Jerry spent 17 years with the Perrysburg Fire Department and six years with the Perrysburg Police Department, as well as three years as the Perrysburg Dog Warden. He also served as a driving instructor for Mid-America Driving School. Jerry dedicated 32 years to the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA), beginning as a bus driver, then becoming a radio dispatcher, station master, and ultimately retiring as Superintendent of Transportation in 2010. After retiring, Jerry and his family moved to Hillsdale, Michigan. But retirement didn’t last long—within a year, he started working at Jonesville Tractor Supply Company, joking that he wanted “a regular job with little responsibility.” That didn’t last either, as he was quickly promoted to Team Leader and then Assistant Manager. He retired from TSC in February 2023. Jerry loved hunting and fishing. At one point, he co-owned a fishing charter business called Rapid Lures, where he invented the “Hot Shot Lure.” He was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan and also rooted for the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions. Jerry also shot professionally at Camp Perry and enjoyed target shooting throughout his life. He was known for his sense of humor and loved spending time with family and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his mother- and father-in-law. He is survived by his wife Karin and children: Francine Austin, Eleece (Kevin) Barger, Noel Austin, Brianna (Matt) Austin, Cordell Austin, and Cadin (Anita) Austin. He also leaves behind grandchildren Kylee and Devin Barger, brother Jim (Kate) Austin, nephews Kenny Austin, Joseph Hughes, and Benjamin Hughes, as well as many close friends. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate caregivers and staff at Hospice of Hillsdale for their exceptional care, kindness, and support during Jerry’s final days. Per Jerry’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services at this time. Arrangements are with Purse Funeral Home. www.PurseFuneralHome.com
In honor of Jerry’s memory, donations may be made to Hospice of Hillsdale County:
• Mailing Address: 124 South Howell Street, Hillsdale, MI 49242
• Phone: (517) 437-5252
• Website: www.hospiceofhillsdalecounty.org
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