William “Bill” Austerman II, 58, of Connersville passed away unexpectedly in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
A son of William and Betty Adams Austerman, Bill was born in Richmond, Indiana on October 26, 1963 and graduated from Centerville High School with the class of 1981. From there, he attended Earlham College, Indiana University East, and Indiana University, Bloomington, from which he earned his Bachelor of Arts in History.
Bill served his country in the Second Armored Division of the United States Army, stationed at Fort Knox in Kentucky as well as Fort Hood in Texas. A decorated veteran, he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and a Sharpshooter Badge.
On May 16, 1992, he married Trisha Brandenburg in the Grand Avenue United Methodist Church. Mrs. Austerman survives.
Bill was employed as a technician for Hill’s Pet Nutrition, starting when the plant opened in 1990 and lasting for over thirty years, making him the longest working employee of the company.
In his leisure, he enjoyed listening to music, playing with his dogs, competing in Quiz Bowl, and watching documentaries. He especially loved going to Walt Disney World in his free time.
Survivors include his wife, Trisha Austerman of Connersville; his parents, William and Betty Austerman of Centerville; two sons, William Duane Austerman of Bay Lake, Florida and Alexander Elias Austerman of Connersville; two brothers, Craig (Cindy) Austerman of Keaton Beach, Florida and Curtis Austerman of Centerville; his father-in-law, Duane Brandenburg of Connersville; a sister-in-law, Tami (Alan) Myers of Indianapolis; three nephews, Wesley Gray of Indianapolis, Colten (Hannah) Austerman of Lafayette, Indiana, and Jacob Austerman of Louisville, Kentucky; a niece, Erica Gray of Indianapolis; several aunts, uncles, and great nieces; a great nephew; and his dog, Gus.
He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Jerian Brandenburg.
Friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday with Pastor Gwen Pew officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the Fayette County Veterans Council at the start of service. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery, Field of Honor, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bill to the veteran program Mission 22 or to the Warrior Dog Foundation which helps transition working K9s into retirement.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com