Kilmer Donald Austin

(Kilmer) Kim Austin, 80, of Mandan, formerly of Cottage Grove, Minn. and Mesa, Ariz. heard snow was coming and took leave to the Lord's paradise on October 4, 2020. His final days were spent in the loving company of his family, listening to his children say, "Remember when dad did this"

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020 at Oakland Cemetery in Sauk Centre, Minn. Burial to follow the service. Visitation is scheduled for 2 - 3 PM on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020 at DaWise Perry Funeral Services, located at 4211 Old Red Trail in Mandan.

Kim was born July 23, 1940 in Melrose, Minn. to Donald and Anne (DouBrava) Austin. He was raised and educated in Sauk Centre before moving to the Twin Cities. Kim spent his working years as a mechanic and drove semi during retirement.

Kim married Karen Ribelin on Aug. 22, 1981 and settled in Cottage Grove, Minn. where they raised their four children: Robert, Michael, Cherry, and Karrie. His success story was written in the lives of his children, who never had to wonder about their father's love for them for even a moment as his pride in their accomplishments was evident whenever he spoke about any of his children. Kim's other joy was camping. Many weekends were spent at the campground gathered with friends around the campfire. He was known for entering the woods for fire kindling and returning with the saw in one hand and an entire tree in the other. Kim and Karen fulfilled their retirement dream by moving into their RV and traveling between Minnesota, Arizona, and North Dakota to spend time with loved ones and"of course"avoid snow.

Kim was known for his dry humor, loud laugh, and occasional obstinance. He loved being around friends and family. If you allowed him, he would entertain you with stories and jokes for hours. Ever the prankster, he left his children numerous goofy photos as a remembrance.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Karen, Mandan; son Robert (Jill) Austin, Anoka, Minn.; son Michael (Cherry) Austin, Minnetrista, Minn.; daughter Karrie (Eli) Huber, Bismarck; daughter Cherry (Scott) Schesel, Hugo, Minn.; grandson Matthew Austin; granddaughters Layla and Sienna Huber and Sophia and Ella Austin; brother Fred Austin and sisters Fran Merimonti, Florence Freiderich, and JoAnn Gnaedinger. Kilmer was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Steven.