Cheryl H. Austin

Cheryl H. Austin, 82, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, May 8, 2026, at Miller Funeral Home - Downtown Chapel, with visitation one hour prior.

Cheryl was born on July 27, 1943, in Parkston, South Dakota, to William Alvin Stainbrook and Carol Heloise (Watson) Stainbrook. She moved to Mitchell, SD, when she was 9 years old and graduated from Mitchell High School. 

She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She briefly attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell. Then transferred to Northern State University in Aberdeen. Cheryl dedicated her career to education, working as an elementary school teacher. She taught in several schools across South Dakota and later served as a teacher for Department of Defense Dependents Schools in Germany, where she positively impacted the lives of many children abroad.

Cheryl also had a gift for sewing and enjoyed creating much of her own clothing, costumes, prom dresses, flower girl dresses, and doll clothes. During her years in Germany, she enjoyed traveling and visited many places, including Spain and Austria. After returning to the United States, Cheryl enjoyed attending craft shows, camping, and taking bus trips with her husband, Willie.

She is survived by her children, Robin (Brian) Berg of Sherman, SD, Elizabeth Austin of Sioux Falls, SD, Michelle (Dale) Hennings of Sioux Falls, SD, Leroy Austin (Kristi) of Garretson, SD, Christopher Houser (Andrea) of Scottsdale, AZ, Kristina Houser of Sioux Falls, SD, and Misty Austin of Sioux Falls, SD; 21 grandchildren, Randy Ramsey, Jon Griffith, Gerod Olivier, Jacob Berg, Willie Christensen, Zach Hawkins, Chandler Austin, Ivan Olivier, AJ Austin, Amber Hennings, Jessica Burke, Alexandria Hewer, Kayla Palm, Violet Austin, Journey Austin, Jayden Houser, Lola Houser, Cian Houser, Kavan Mertz, Andy Hennings, and Julian Albanal; as well as several great-grandchildren; sister, Bonnie (Marvin) Van Dam, and her brother, Daniel Stainbrook. 

Cheryl was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Austin, and by her parents, William Alvin and Carol Heloise Stainbrook.