Visitation Information

Doris M Austgen

Passed away on April 8, 2025

Doris M. Austgen, age 89, of Cedar Lake, Indiana, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025.  She was born on October 8^th, 1935 in Virginia to Susie (Morris) and Robert Lawson.  She met Ronald E. Austgen while he was serving in the US Army in Virginia.  They were married on September 4th, 1954, and moved back to Cedar Lake, where they would raise their 6 children.  Doris was a full- time homemaker who spent her days raising her children and volunteering at many local organizations where her children participated in sports, scouts and church activities.  She was a wonderful and loving spouse to Ronald, Mother to her Children, and an example for her community.  She is survived by her Children: David (Dotty) Austgen, Deborah (Michael) Howe, Barbara (Jerry) Sarkey,  Mercedes Austgen (daughter-in-law/spouse of Edward R. Austgen), Mary Catherine (Steve) Watson, Patricia (John) Metro, her Grandchildren: Taylor (Nicole) Austgen, Jordan Austgen, Jonathan (Elizabeth) Howe, Eric (Megan) Howe, Andrew (Victoria) Howe, Brent (Alexandra) Austgen, Morgan (Dakota) Pruitt, Aaron (Betsy) Watson, Evan Watson, John Metro, Emily (Jeff) Maliziola, her Great-Grandchildren: Connor, Wyatt & Quinn Austgen, Olivia & Isabella Howe, Levi and Sadie Howe, Vivian & Dean Howe, Adrian & Marcus Austgen, Sullivan and Beatrice Pruitt, Everett Watson and Clara and Ava Maliziola. Doris also leaves behind her brother Sonny (Betty) Poffenberger, Norman Crown, Doug Lawson, sister Faye Reyna along with brother-in-law John (Jeanne) Austgen, and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.  Doris was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 49 years, Ronald E. Austgen, her son, Edward R. Austgen, her sister and brother-in-law Sally & Loren Cull, her brothers Jackie Lawson, Marvin Lawson, Jr. and her nephew, Joe Poffenberger.

Visitation will be held at Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory 9931 Lincoln Plaza Way; Cedar Lake, IN on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11:00 am DIRECTLY at Holy Name Catholic Church 11000 W. 133rd  Ave. Cedar Lake, IN.  Interment immediately following at Holy Name Church Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Name Catholic Church in Cedar Lake, Cedar Lake Boys and Girls Club and The Alzheimer’s Association. For more information 219-374-9300 or www.elmwoodchapel.com