Three Lakes – John E. "Jack" Auston Sr., age 75, of 24673 Pine Ave., Michigamme passed away on Sunday March 15, 2015 at his home in Three Lakes while under the loving care of his family and the Lake Superior Hospice.

John was born June 30, 1939 in Detroit, MI the son of the late Harry L. and Viola (Wenner) Auston, Sr. Jack grew up in the Detroit area and was a graduate of the Denby High School. Jack served in the United States Army as a Paratrooper, and had 50+ jumps during his time in the service. Following his time in the Army, Jack moved to Arizona and became an Engineer with the Phoenix Fire Dept. completing a degree in Fire Science during this time. Jack retired from the Phoenix Fire Dept. in 1984. He then became the Fire Marshall and Deputy Chief at the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant in Arizona a position he held for 18 ½ years, retiring a second time in 2002.

Jack and Sandy moved to the Upper Peninsula and settled in Three Lakes where they have resided for the past 9 years. Jack was a lifelong bowler and had bowled in leagues in Ishpeming. He also enjoyed golfing and traveling around the world, taking annual cruises with his wife Sandy. Jack's favorite destination was Rome, Italy.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years Sandy Auston, a daughter Bashámá (Don Ladd) of Phoenix, AZ, 3 sons – Jack (Jodi) Auston Jr. of Denver, CO, Tom (Karen) Auston of Negaunee and Derek (Cherie) Auston of Negaunee, a brother Harry Auston of Denver, CO, 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Phylis and a granddaughter Artina Clinton.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 2 – 3pm on Monday, March 23, 2015 at Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming. A memorial service will follow at 3:00pm on Monday, March 23 at Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Chuck Tooman the chaplain of the Lake Superior Hospice to officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #380.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .