Joan Donna Austin

Joan Donna Austin Joan Austin’s lasting legacy is furthering the hopes and dreams of others September 25, 1931 – June 5, 2013 Joan Donna Austin passed away in her sleep on June 5 at her Newberg home. She was 81. Her husband Ken Austin was at her side. With all her sweet warmth and boundless generosity, our family and the world lost a great woman with an enormous capacity to love and give of herself. If there is a single consolation in our grief, it’s recognizing that her legacy of generosity will make its mark for many generations. Joan was preceded in death by her parents Herman and Esther Zemke. In addition to being survived by her husband of 59 years, Joan is survived by son G. Kenneth Austin III “Ken” and his wife Celia Austin, of Newberg; daughter Loni Parrish and her husband Scott Parrish of Newberg; grandson Matt Austin and his wife, Shannon, of Sherwood, granddaughter Ashley Parrish of Newberg, grandson Grant Austin of Sherwood; granddaughter Jessica Wolfer and her husband Nic, of Newberg; and grandson Todd Austin of Lake Oswego; great-granddaughter Kinley Nicole Wolfer and great-granddaughter Katherine Marie Austin expected in July. Joan is also survived by her brothers Herman “Bud” Zemke and Jim Zemke of Newberg, and sisters Darlene Swonger and Lenora Fair, also of Newberg. Joan Austin (née Zemke) was born Sept. 25, 1931, in Glenwood, Minnesota. Never one to sit around or let life pass her by, Joan began school at age 4, accompanying her sister Lenora on walks from the family farm. The Zemke family moved to Oregon while Joan was still in grade school. Joan graduated from Newberg Union High School at 17, and would ultimately earn several honorary degrees and distinguished awards. Joan met Ken Austin in Newberg, and the couple was married in a double wedding with Joan’s sister Lenora and brother in-law Don Fair on June 13, 1953. (The two couples were to celebrate their 60th anniversary on Thursday.) Joan Austin was co-owner and co-chair of the board for A-dec Inc., the largest privately-owned dental equipment manufacturing company in the United States. Up until her death, Joan was involved in the company’s administrative, personnel, philanthropic, financial and legal operations. As husband and wife, Joan and Ken Austin were inseparable. A-dec got its start after Ken developed an idea for an improved oral evacuation system while living in Colorado. The family returned to Newberg in 1964 and committed to starting a small manufacturing facility inside a Quonset hut in downtown Newberg. In addition to her integral role in A-dec’s success, Joan Austin was widely recognized as an influential philanthropist. “Ken and I give because we feel a responsibility to give back,” she’d said. “We have been very fortunate in our life’s occupation. It only seems appropriate to share our bountiful harvest. It feels so good to give and to make someone’s life a little easier or happier.” She also held a strong belief that life was too short to do something you don’t enjoy. Following her own advice, Joan and family members created and built her vision of The Allison Inn & Spa: “Go find what you love and then give it everything you’ve got.” The message reflects how Joan lived her life. A memorial service for Joan is planned for Saturday, June 15, at 10:00 in Newberg on property across from The Allison Inn & Spa (2525 Allison Lane, Newberg). In lieu of flowers, the family wants to honor Joan’s loving spirit and suggests a donation to the charity of your choice or on behalf of the following charities: Chehalem Cultural Center, Library Foundation of Newberg, Newberg Animal Shelter Friends, Newberg FISH Emergency Service, and Special Olympics Oregon.

Joan Donna Austin

September 25, 1931 - June 5, 2013