Joyce Elaine (nee Ostendorf, Hill) Austin, age 90, of Holmen, WI formerly of Monroe passed away just four days short of her 91st birthday on March 23, 2024 at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, MN with her daughters by her side. She was born the daughter of William and Katherine (Schultz) Ostendorf on March 27, 1933 in Platteville. She was a 1951 graduate of Platteville High School. Joyce married Donald Hill on October 20, 1951; he preceded her in death in 1975. She was later united in marriage to Robert Austin.
Joyce worked at Advance Transformers (now known as UPG Electrical) for several years. She was a member of the Women of the Moose #599 in Monroe, as well as a longtime member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish at St. Victor’s Catholic Church before moving closer to her family. Joyce enjoyed sewing, shopping, baking, doing crafts, and trips to the casino. She was also an avid reader, and loved cheering for the Badgers and Packers. Joyce cherished spending time with her family, especially going on vacations “up-north” together.
Joyce is survived by her children, Diane LaBuwi, Kathy (Dan) Benkert, Steve Hill, Donna (Jim) Beranek, and Sue (Steve) Bowman; step-children, Kari (Mike) Young, Kevin (Nikki) Austin, Karen (George) Evans, and Keith (Mary-Lyn) Austin; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Jean Duncan.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; two grandchildren, Elizabeth and Michael Benkert; and two brothers, Dean (Joan) Ostendorf and William “Bill” Ostendorf.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at St. Clare of Assisi Parish at St. Victor’s Catholic Church with Father Joseph Bellamkonda as celebrant. Burial will take place at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Platteville.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home from 4:00-6:00PM; continued visitation will be held on Tuesday, at the church, from 10:00AM until the time of service.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com.
