Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church Saturday, February 24, 2024. Dear father of Greg (Jessie) Austermann; dad of Eric (Michelle) Nanista and Bryan (Sarah) Nanista. Dear grandfather of Bella, Riley, Carter, Hudson, and Remy. Beloved husband of Peggy Austermann. Dear brother of Joan, Bern, Carol, Rita, Joyce, Ed, Jim and the late Jerry, Mary and Jean. Our dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.
SERVICES: Visitation at Mary Queen of Peace (676 West Lockwood Ave. St. Louis, MO 63119) on Monday, March 4, 9:00 a.m. until funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Contributions to Disabled American Veterans appreciated.
We are so sorry for the loss of a good friend and wish the for fond memories of how he enriched the lives of many for his family and many friends.
So sorry for your loss, as you keep Rick in your thoughts & heart; he was a loving brother & friend; may God bless you all with His Grace, now & always!
Rich is an Alumnus of St. Margaret of Scotland Grade School, Class of 1963, and St. Mary’s Southside High School, Class of 1967. On behalf of his fellow classmates from both schools, we extend our most heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. Also know that we share in your sorrow and grieve for your loss.
Although Rich is gone from this life, his spirit has been and always will be in the hallways of St, Margaret’s and on the Campus of St. Mary’s Southside. And as it is a time-honored tradition, students who enroll at St. Mary’s are bestowed the eternal honor of becoming a “Son of Mary” on their very first day of class. And just as it has been since September 1963, daily prayers will continue to be said and daily masses will continue to be offered for Rich by the Brothers of Mary.
Danny Slay
Class of ‘67
Former Executive Member – Board of Directors
St. Mary’s South Side High School Alumni Association
RIP Rick. You are a great friend, neighbor and fellow Catholic. Always a gentle spirit, a smile and offered to help whenever, wherever possible. You and Peggy were a fantastic couple that introduced Judy and I to Catholicism. You both raised some amazing, well humored and hard-working children and I’ll always think of you fondly.
Sending prayers of comfort to the Austermann Family on Rich’s passing.
Cheryl Bruns Duncan
St. Margaret of Scotland Class of 1967
Correction: Class of 1963
Great friend, great neighbor and volunteer. Former member of Eureka MO Planning and Zoning Commission. Served our country as a decorated Vietnam Veteran. Truly a hero!
On behalf of Bethesda Hospice, we send our deepest condolences to Rick’s family.
Dear Austermann Family,
We only knew Rick for a few short months, but he had a tremendous impact on my life. You have our deepest and most sincere sympathy on the loss of what I thought was an exceptional person and will truly miss his witty sense of humor.
Myself, Ira Judd and Rich were inseparable in grade school. Spoke with Ira recently and we recounted the many good experiences shared as kids growing up together. Rich was truly a good friend. He will be missed.
When young, he was my friend. When teens, we served in Vietnam. We knew why we did what we had to do. It didn’t matter what others saw fit to do or not. Though our return was not received as hoped, we shared some time as friends – in classes at the University of Missouri, Columbia. After enough of hearing from those with little knowledge of life’s experience, we each sought a different path forward. While seldom together in the years that followed, Rich remained, outside of family, the truest, most honest & treasured friend I ever had – and he will be that, forever! Here now, I find it hard, but appropriate, to say what we always said whenever we left each other’s company. The line we quoted is from the movie “A Soldier In The Rain”:
“Until that time, Eustis … until that time.”
It is with a heavy heart that I express my deepest sympathy to Peggy and family over the passing of her beloved husband, Rick. We worked together in the City Counselor’s Office; and I considered him to be a true gentle man in all respects. He was devoted to his family and was always willing to assist in the time of need. Rick was a hard working City employee and a dedicated veteran. May his memories forever be held in the hearts of his family and friends. May our Father bridge the feelings of loss with comfort, support and love to all during this difficult time. As our heavenly Father greeted him with open arms and placed him in His eternal care so may Rick watch over all of us and be at rest.
Lifting you all in our thoughts and prayers. Grateful that he had a loving family caring for him and dear friends who have good memories.