Austin Daniel Geary

Austin D. Geary, age 87, of Munising, died on Sunday morning, February 15, 2015 at the Munising Memorial Hospital. He was born on September 6, 1927 in Arlington, Massachusetts to David and Bertha Geary, and was one of fourteen children. Austin grew up in Boston and graduated from high school in 1945. He immediately enlisted into the U.S. Navy and his military career spanned through the wars of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Austin retired as a Signalman Chief Petty Officer after twenty-seven years of service. Austin was stationed in San Diego when he left the Navy, and he made his home there. He went to San Diego State University and earned his degree and then went to work for the U.S. Postal Service in San Diego. Austin met the love of his life, Elizabeth Mazzali Radloff. They were married on July 8, 1975. Austin and Elizabeth enjoyed going to Padres baseball games and even watched them in the World Series. They also enjoyed going to the dog races, trips to Mexico, jai alai games, playing bridge, and visits from her children. He enjoyed spending a week or two in the summer at Betty's sister's camp on AuTrain Lake with her family. When retirement came, Austin and Elizabeth made Munising their permanent home. He was a member of the Faith Baptist Church, V.F.W., and American Legion. Austin enjoyed golfing and writing poetry. In recent years, he had made his home at the Superior Health Haven and enjoyed the care and friendship of the staff. Austin really loved being there.

He is survived by his children - Janis (Tom) Ferzacca of Munising, Veronica (Edwin) Macy of Carmel, IN, Larry (Sue) Radloff of Munising, and Billie (James) Stedman of Bend, OR; grandchildren and great-grandchildren - Elizabeth (Todd) their children Jack, Laurel, Ainsley; Michael (Diane) their sons, Joe and Luke; Santina (Matt) their children Cheyenne, Logan, and Tessa; Christopher (Amanda) their daughters Alexandria and Cassidy; Curtis (Rebekah) their children Faith, Page, Shelby, and Ashlyn; Sarah (Jay) their children Sylus and Marley; Ryan and his son Gavin; Daniel and his daughter Adrianna; and Micah (Jane) and their children Eden, Patton, and J.R.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Austin was preceded in death by his parents, wife of over thirty-nine years Elizabeth, son Thomas Radloff, his siblings, and his dear friend Bill Wilson.

Graveside services and military honors will be held at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising later this year.