Dennis D. Austin

Dennis “Denny” D. Austin passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025. He was born on January 18, 1942 in Janesville, WI to Dale and Marian (Tanner) Austin. He married Barbara Jane Sellers on December 31, 1970 in Warner Robbins, Georgia where his family grew to also include Barbara Jane’s four daughters.

Denny was a graduate of University Wisconsin-Oshkosh where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science. He then went on to dedicate four years of service with the United States Air Force. After his honorable discharge, the family moved to Wisconsin where he worked as the State Law Librarian for the State of Wisconsin Supreme Court.

In Janesville, Denny and Barbara were involved with the Janesville Little Theater for many years. Denny performed many times on stage, and Barbara was mostly behind the scenes.

In 1997, Denny and Barbara were able to retire and move to Mobile, Alabama to be closer to Barbara’s side of the family. There he volunteered for the local theater, volunteered by running the Spring Hill College Book Store in Mobile, Alabama. At the same time, he was also with Target for 12 years finally fully retiring in 2012. In retirement, they also loved to travel, and they were able to sail on over 30 cruises together.

A coin and stamp collector since he was young, his collections included most rare and aged coins to have only be seen by few. Denny loved to play games and cards with his family. In later years, he would create hook and latch rugs masterpieces for friends and family to enjoy.

In 2017, Denny moved back to Sun Prairie after the loss of his wife to be closer to his Wisconsin family. Here he volunteered his time at the Sun Prairie Food Pantry and the Sun Prairie Public Library Used Book Store, and he was also a member of the Sun Prairie Library Board.

Dennis is survived by his children: Joan (Mark) Squires and Barbara Ann (Michael) Nehmer; grandchildren: Benjamin, Shelby, Ryan, Sarah, Erich, Nicole, Ross, Kaysey, Emily, and Jayson; and great-grandchildren, relatives, and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara Jane; children: Jane Silvers and Georgette Jensen; parents: Dale and Marian Austin; in-laws: Richard and Gladys Bergdorf; and brother: Bruce (Lucy) Austin.

Visitation will be from 10-12:00 PM (noon) on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 with a funeral service to begin at 12:00 PM (noon) with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Sun Prairie Food Pantry.

Cress Funeral Service

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

608-837-9054