Paul Austinson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Paul Austinson, a beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, uncle, teacher, counselor, coach, swimming instructor, volunteer, and friend. Paul was a master encourager, an avid golfer, and a passionate sports enthusiast. He had an extraordinary ability to see the good in everyone and was known for his kindness, warmth, and fantastic sense of humor.

He died peacefully at home on the morning of Sunday, September 8th, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Paul was born at home on May 11th, 1937, in Lyle, Minnesota, to Herman and Selma (Nelson) Austinson. As the youngest of 11 children, he graduated from Lyle High School in 1955. He began attending Austin Junior College and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Mankato State University in 1959. Paul began his career teaching and coaching first, in Morristown, MN, for a year and then in Grand Meadow for five years. He obtained a Master’s degree in Guidance Counseling in 1966 and worked as a counselor in Nashua and Mason City, Iowa. In 1967, he joined John Marshall High School in Rochester, Minnesota, where he served as Director of Guidance Counseling for the next 30 years, earning the title of Minnesota State Counselor of the Year in 1997. After retiring, Paul continued to make an impact as a substitute teacher and testing coordinator at Byron High School. He spent 11 summers as a swimming instructor; refereed volleyball, baseball, basketball, and football for 27 years; and volunteered at Mayo Clinic for 23 years until the spry age of 86. Paul was also an active member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club and the Quarterbacks Club, and participated in Mayo Clinic’s Research Study of Aging for 20 years. Last, but certainly not least, he had a deep passion for the MN Vikings, MN Gophers, John Marshall Rockets, Byron Bears, and loved telling Ole and Lena jokes.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; 10 siblings; nephews, Arleigh and Carroll; and his cherished son, Mark. He is survived by “the love of his life”, wife, Joan Austinson; his son, John (Julie) Austinson of Eyota, MN; his daughter, Jaci (Ron) Rietveld of Aitkin, MN; and his stepdaughters, Jennifer Jackson of Rochester, MN; Nicole (Anu) Pickett-Schwartz of Brooklyn, NY; and Molly (Dane) Peterson of Rochester, MN. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ramon, Raquel, and Case Rietveld; Ben Kossman; Maxwell and Isabel Jackson; and Lila Schwartz; as well as great-grandchildren Ariyanna, Landon, and Jordyn Yeager.

He was dearly loved, was a friend to many, touched countless lives, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

We are forever grateful for the incredible care Paul received from Mayo Clinic’s Hospice and Transitions Care teams.

Service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, located at 810 Third Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904 on Friday, September 27th at 11am with visitation starting at 10am. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mayo Clinic Cancer Research Center, https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/cancer-research/supporting-cancer-research, or Bethel Lutheran Church, https://www.bethellutheran.com/give in his honor.

Online condolences may be left at www.hindtfuneralhomes.com