Marvin E. Gene" Austin

Marvin E. ?Gene? Austin, 76, of Mason City died Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City. Funeral services for Gene will be held 10:30 A.M., Friday, September 26, 2003 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 419 North Delaware with Rev. Mark Lavrenz officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Full military rites will be conducted at the graveside by the Mason City Veterans Memorial Association. Visitation for Gene will be held 5:30 P.M. ? 8:00 P.M., Thursday, September 25, 2003 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania Avenue. Memorials for Gene may be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Hospice of North Iowa. Marvin E. ?Gene? Austin was born January 30, 1927 the son of Howard A. and Edna A. (Johnson) Austin in Iowa City, Iowa. Gene attended the Mason City Public School system. On October 18, 1944 Gene enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country in World War II. Gene was honorably discharged from the U. S. Navy on June 29, 1946, achieving the rank of Seaman First Class. On August 18, 1950 Marvin E. ?Gene? Austin was united in marriage to Rose M. Szymeczek at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City. Gene retired from Armour?s Meat Packing in Mason City. Gene was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, serving as the Head of the Board of Ushers for many years, and a member of the American Legion. Those left to cherish the memory of Gene are: Wife:Rose M. Austin of Mason City Daughters:Sally Long of Bristol, Tennessee Nancy Hewlett and husband Kevin of Osceola, Iowa Grandchildren: Eric Scarbrough of Tallahassee, Florida Shannon Mayhew and husband Mike of Silverdale, Washington Vanessa Hewlett of Osceola, Iowa Zachary Hewlett of Osceola, Iowa Kayla Long of Bristol, Tennessee Sisters:Audrey Hasapopoulos and husband Ted of Mason City Mary Lou Graff and husband Ronald of Mason City Several Nieces and Nephews Gene was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Thomas Austin, three brothers and three sisters.

Visitation:
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Major Erickson Funeral Home on September 25, 2003 (map/driving directions) 6:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Major Erickson Funeral Home on September 24, 2003 (map/driving directions)

Service:
10:30 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on September 26, 2003 (map/driving directions)