Robert V. Ausra

Robert V. Ausra, 85, of Dowagiac, passed away on November 3, 2018, at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 AM, Friday, November 9, 2018, at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St. Dowagiac, with Pastor John Casper officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, November 8, 2018, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home, then again at 9:00 AM Friday until the time of service. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Dowagiac. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Robert’s name may be made to the donor’s choice. Those wishing to share a condolence for the family may do so online at www.clarkch.com. Robert was born on January 26, 1933, in Chicago, IL to Frank and Barbara (Stencel) Ausra. He Graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1950, then went on to agricultural classes at Michigan State University. On December 30, 1951, he married the love of his life, Jacqueline Calvin, with his lifelong best friend Ted Sedlar by his side. Bob was the founder of Ausra Farm Equipment in Dowagiac in 1964. Robert worked at National Standard and raised hogs while starting the farm equipment business. He was also Chairman of the Cass County Road Commission and Silver Creek Township Supervisor for many years. He earned many awards for his business success, including being elected President of the Dowagiac Rotary Club. Bob liked to garden and eat the fresh vegetables he grew, especially when Jackie was cooking. He enjoyed flying and was a member of the Dowagiac Flying Club. Bob wintered for many years in Texas, then Las Vegas where he enjoyed the activities. Bob loved travel and visited Hawaii, and Europe many times, including trips to Lithuania. He was very proud of his Lithuanian heritage, and enjoyed meeting the family there and visiting his grandfather’s grave and farm. Robert is survived by his children Steve (Diana) Ausra, Bob (Patty) Ausra, Larry (Vicki) Ausra, Linda (Gray) Preston and Michael (Anita Pompey) Ausra; grandchildren Rebecca Ausra, Steve (Samantha) Ausra, Robby Ausra, Erin (Matt) Dohm, Sara (Corey) Disterheft, Karen Ausra, Christopher Ausra and Jesse, Easton, Tommy and Billy Preston; 11 great-grandchildren; sister Barbara Kazlauskas; sisters-in-law JoAnn Ausra, Linda Hillman and Sandra Jane Calvin; brother-in-law Dave Hillman; his special Lithuanian family Darius (Sandra) Gedeikis and Chuck and Tami Stencel and a huge extended family who will miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Jacqueline Ausra; grandchildren, Jessica Ausra, Joey Ausra and Gray Preston, Jr.; brothers, Thomas and Frank Ausra; brother-in-law, Ed Kazlauskas and sister-in-law, Maxine Ausra.