Bobbie E. Austin
November 26, 1950 - July 12, 2022
Obituary
FITCHBURG - On July 12, 2022, Bobbie Earl Austin passed away at home with his wife and family at the age of 71 years old. He was born in Tupelo, Miss., and grew up in the boot hill of Missouri and was raised by his grandmother. He moved to Wisconsin as a young man and served 16 years in prison for an altercation that resulted in a loss of a friend. During that time Bobby learned to read and write, and ultimately was honored to receive his associate degree in paralegal studies from Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
Bobby was determined to give back to the community and help others and worked at the UW Law School Remington Center and the Neighborhood Intervention Program mentoring and teaching young people, until he retired.
Bobby had a passion to live life to its fullest. He loved going fishing in his boat, reading, traveling with his wife, and barbecuing his famous ribs and special sauce, that he loved to share with family, friends, coworkers and neighbors. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time sitting outside visiting with all who walked by, including many four-footed friends. Bobby had an infectious smile and laugh, and a great sense of humor. He was famous for his love of learning and provocative questions, as he always made you dig deeper and look at yourself and the world in a different light.
He was a man of great strength and a gentle heart that endured many obstacles during his long illness. Bobby will be sorely missed by his family, including his wife, Gail; his children, LyTisha M. McCall, Bobbie S. Austin Jr., Teonvia Cherigui, Antoinette Marie Stiff, Belafonta E. Williams, Daniesha Coleman, Itesha Williams (stepdaughter), Brian Weber (stepson) and John Weber (stepson); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many dear friends. He will be missed by Ladybug, Biscuit, Sparkle and Sophia, his beloved animals. A special thank you to Charles Rowe (friend), Brian (stepson), Dr. Elizabeth Perry, Agrace Hospice South Team for the wonderful care for Bobby for the last years of his illness.
According to Bobby’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Please take the time to privately celebrate his memory in your own ways as Bobby knew many people from many walks of life and varied faith traditions. He will always be with us in spirit and, in keeping with his habit of leaving us with a thought to ponder, consider this from Advice from a Lake by IIan Shamir: “Stay calm. Shore up friendships. Take time to reflect. Be full of life!”
Memorial donations may be made in Bobby’s name to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg, WI 53711.
You will show me the path of life; in thy presence is fullness of joy: at thy right hand are pleasures forevermore - Psalm 16:11
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002