Shirley Austin

TRAER-Shirley (Halupnick) Austin passed away peacefully, with both daughters at her side, on April 21, 2026 at the age of 86 at Sunrise Hill Care Center in Traer, Iowa.

Shirley was born on June 22, 1939 on the family farm near Traer to Leonard and Ardell (Staker) Halupnick. She graduated from Traer High School in 1957. She attended Iowa State Teachers College for a short period before beginning a job at Bauch Law Firm in Traer. That began her life long career as a secretary/office administrator where she worked for various companies. She ultimately retired from Chicago Central and Pacific Railroad (formerly Illinois Central RR) in May 2001 after 25+ years of employment.

Shirley was an avid sports fan of all kinds. She was an Iowa Hawkeyes football season ticket holder for several years and could be seen at most North Tama Redhawks sporting events, even if her children or grandchildren weren’t participating. She enjoyed playing golf for many years as well. In her later years, she enjoyed playing cards with her friends, riding in the golf cart around town with her friend Phyllis, and going out to eat with all her girlfriends on Friday nights.

She is survived by her two daughters, Debbie (Greg) Taylor of Lees Summit, MO, and Tammy (Kevin) Herink of Clutier, IA; five grandchildren-Jordan Taylor and Jessica Taylor of Lees Summit, MO, Kyle (Shellina) Herink of Clutier, Alex (Kallie) Herink of Cedar Rapids, Erin (Tim) Johnson of Bellevue; and eight great grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Ardell, her sister Joan (Halupnick) Staveley, her brother Larry Halupnick and sister-in-law Pauline Halupnick, and her husband Cort Austin.

Shirley will be cremated and a private burial service will be held at a later date.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.