Emma Jean (Kuhlman) Austin (88) of Effingham

Emma Jean Austin (Kuhlman), 88, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, IL.

Jean was the daughter of John and Marcella Kuhlman of Mason, IL. She attended high school in Effingham from 1951-1954, where she was a pole-vaulter in track and field. She was married to William Eldon Austin (“Dutch” or “Bill”) of Altamont in 1955 and had two daughters, Sandra Jean and Jane Renee. Jean worked for ARC for 31 years. She also worked at the glove factory, the Farina egg plant, and Mid-America Motorworks in Effingham. She retired to live at Brookstone Estates in Effingham. Her photo was taken in 1955 in front of Layton’s Café in Mason.

Jean is survived by her daughters and two grandchildren, Dylan Hunter Bartels and Courtney Danielle Chapin. She also has two great-granddaughters, Elinor Rose and Victoria. Her surviving brothers and sisters are Dean (“Dewey”), Gerald, Barbara (“Sharon”), Alice (“Bicker”), Linda, and Judy. She was also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marcella Kuhlman; brothers, Barney Jr. and John E. Kuhlman; sisters, Mary Carpenter, Norma Jean VanMeter, and Carolann Fancher.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Edgewood Cemetery in Edgewood, IL. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.