Charles "Chuck" Austin

Charles Leslie Austin, 91, was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on August 18, 2023. Chuck was born on October 30, 1931, to John and Lula Austin. Chuck made his home in the Des Moines area where he loved spending time with his family and friends.
He was a very active man, both for his country and for his community. Chuck served two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict as an instructor in the Nike Missile School at Fort Bliss, TX. He then settled back in Des Moines and spent seven years in route sales with Colonial Baking Company. He continued his designing and installing departments across the USA, including three years as General Manager of Davidson Sunbeam Baking Co. in Portland, OR, and three years as Bakery-Deli Director for Allied Supermarkets in Detroit, MI.
One of Chuck’s greatest loves was baking. He spent his career doing what he loved. After thirty-plus years with Supervalu Stores in Minneapolis and Des Moines as a Bakery Merchandiser, Specialist, and Bakery-Deli Products Manager, he retired in 1995.
Chuck was also active in Industry and Community Organizations throughout his lifetime. He founded and originated several organizations in various communities that endure today. After his retirement, he continued his involvement in Toastmasters, as Assistant Pastor of Southtown Pentecostal Assembly, and as a political activist.
Another passion of Chuck’s was politics. In 1996, he was a candidate for The Iowa Senate and served as the Polk County Co-Chairman of the Bob Dole for President campaign. He was also appointed as the 5th District Judicial Nominating Commissioner by Governor Branstad. Chuck didn’t stop there; he formed his own Corporation, serving as a consultant, Public Speaker, and Seminar Leader, and started a Specialty Candy Distributorship. He continued to work 40-50 weeks during his retirement. He was especially proud that his children are all active, productive, tax-paying citizens.
Chuck attributed his success to the work ethic taught to him by many of the teachers at North High School in Des Moines.
He was honored to have been elected to the North High Hall of Fame, named one of Minnesota’s Ten Outstanding Young Men, and served as Senator #36309 in the Junior Chamber International. He was a co-founder of Snowflake Days in Coon Rapids, MN, and certified by the Retail Bakers of America as the 1st Master Baker in Iowa.
He is survived by his wife, Janelle Austin; children, Mark (Patty) Austin, Melody (Kevin) Livengood, and Linda (Ben) Patrick; step-son, Chaz Bayles; 22 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, and an endless list of friends.
Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Marie Austin; daughters, Vickie Aasland, Phyllis Stutes, and Leslie Myers; his parents, John and Lula Austin; and siblings, Viola Anneberg, Virginia Penfold, Vernetta Dove, Vera Moore, Jean Yoakum, Ed Bodtke, Alfred Bodtke, Elmer Bodtke, Clancy Austin, and Clair Dean Austin.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Southtown Pentecostal Assembly or to North High School Alumni Association in loving memory of Chuck.

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