Our obituaries page allows for you to light a candle for a loved one or leave a guest comment. You are able to search for obituaries by first and last name or by the date of death.

Joseph F. Ausan

April 23, 1929 - May 5, 2023

Joseph “Joe” F. Ausan, 94, of Ankeny Iowa, formerly of Baltic, South Dakota, passed away on May 5, 2023 surrounded by his family. Joe was born April 23, 1929 to Joseph and Clara (Solbak) Ausan at the family farm near Baltic, South Dakota.

Joe enjoyed growing up on the farm and farming with his dad and his brother. He loved his many pets, especially his pet goat who was able to call him out by his nickname, Ferdie. In his younger years, he loved fishing and hunting. He attended South Dakota State University where he was an avid member of the track team. Joe worked for the US Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation. Joe loved watching all sports and being outdoors, especially his many walks.

Joe married Sharon Junker of Howard, South Dakota on March 3, 1961. They were blessed with one son, Joel, and three daughters, Julie, Lori and Lisa. They created their life in the Des Moines area for 57 years.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Clara Ausan; brothers, Jim Ausan and Ferdinand Ausan; and sister, Florence Gulbranson.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Ausan; his sister, Carol Uthe; his children, Joel Ausan, Julie (Terry) Ware, Lori (Kyle) Ellingson, and Lisa (Tim) Moose; and grandchildren, Amanda Cohoon, Allison (Kory) Gioffredi, Abbigail Ware, Emily Ellingson, Austin Ellingson, Caleb Ausan, Ella Ausan, and Cameron Moose; and great granddaughter, Mylee Davis.

A small visitation and prayer service will be held in Ankeny, Iowa on Monday, May 8, 2023 at Memorial Services of Iowa, 4208 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, Iowa with visitation from 5:00-6:00pm and a short prayer service at 6:00.

There will be a funeral service at West Nidaros in Crooks, South Dakota, on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 1:00pm. Following will be a burial at Pioneer Cemetery in Renner, South Dakota.

Joe was never one for dressing up, please wear attire you are comfortable in.

The family requests that flowers be sent to West Nidaros Lutheran Church, 25403 471st, Ave. Crooks, South Dakota 57020. In his memory, donations will be used towards Joe’s memorial and headstone.