Carrie Justine Austinson

Carrie Justine Dybdahl Ludtke Austinson died peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 105 on Friday December 26, 2008. Born February 25, 1903 in Black Earth, Wisconsin to Albert and Tonetta (Skinningsrud) Dybdahl, Carrie grew up in a loving and caring family of seven girls and three boys. After graduating from Black Earth High School and the Teacher’s College in Whitewater, Carrie taught in the public schools in Black Earth and Watertown, Wisconsin. In 1933, Carrie married Benjamin J. Ludtke and moved to Whitewater. Together, they had two children, Richard Benjamin and Carol Lee. Benjamin passed away in 1962. Carrie was a member of First English Lutheran Church and was active in church circles, especially in music and worship services having served as organist for 35 years. Piano and organ duets were played frequently with the assistance of her daughter Carol Lee Ludtke. On the occasion of the 158th anniversary of the church in 1958, she composed the music and lyrics of the “Centennial Hymn”, which was sung throughout the year and enjoyed frequently on other occasions. Carrie married Bishop Myron C. Austinson in 1969, and lived in Janesville, Wisconsin where the district office was located. They moved to Whitewater upon his retirement. They spent the winter months in Florida, where Myron passed away in 1974 in Venice, Florida. Carrie continued to spend time in Florida after Myron’s death, where she was active in social clubs and accompanying music groups. Carrie lived an amazing life, encompassing over a century. She was a gifted musician and writer and shared her talents with others. She was full of life and an inspiration to her family with her kindness, compassion, humor, and grace and her dedication to her faith. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She is survived by one sister, Evelyn Festge; one son-in-law, Gary (Michele) Burkum; two grandsons, Karl (Jennifer) Burkum, Kurt (Kendra) Burkum; one granddaughter, Kari (Chris) Tranel; and nine great-grandchildren, Kaia, Khloe, Kaleb, Kira, Tyler, Morgan, Claire, Ethan and Anna. Also surviving are one stepson, John (Sue) Austinson; one stepdaughter, Nordis Johnson; four step-grandsons; four step-granddaughters; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her death are her two husbands, Benjamin J. Ludtke and Myron C. Austinson; her parents Albert and Tonetta Dybdahl; daughter Carol Lee Burkum; infant son Richard Benjamin Ludtke; her stepdaughter Marget Stiegler; five sisters, Thelma, Valberg, Thora, Emma, and Alice; and 3 brothers, Joseph, Arthur, and Carl. Visitations will be held on Friday, January 2, 2009 from 4:00-7:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00-11:00 am. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 3, 2009. All activities will occur at First English Lutheran Church in Whitewater, WI.