Obituaries

Jerome S. Ausman “Oz”, 69, of Rice Lake passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at his home.

Jerry was born on March 31, 1957, to John and Lucille (Rudahl) Ausman in Eau Claire, WI.

He attended St. Patrick’s School and Regis High School. Jer enjoyed his trip to Germany with the German Class. In the early 70’s he was in the Eau Claire Prep Corps/Sundowners Drum and Bugle Corps. with his brother Mike and Mom chaperoned on many trips. He enjoyed going to many Drum Corp competitions with Mom for many years after he was done performing.

His career as a cook/chef started at The Left Guard in Eau Claire. Over the years he worked at the Don Q Inn, Dodgeville; Turtleback, Rice Lake; Spanky’s, Barronett; and the Country Inn, Rice Lake. He did some cooking presentations for the WI Restaurant Association annual conventions. The people he worked with became his extended family; who he cared for very much. He had many stories from all the restaurants. Jerry always planned & prepared a special Christmas meal for our family that we all enjoyed and also made Grandma Ausman’s German potato salad for our family reunions. On his day off, he would make time for Mom taking her shopping and lunch and later just for his weekly visit.

As a child Jerry would fish on the “point” where the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers meet near the house we grew up in. Jerry’s favorite thing to do was trout fish (“he was a night crawler guy”). His favorite fishing spots were Duncan Creek and the Brule River. And again many fishing stories came from these excursions. He was also a BIG Brewers and Packers fan.

Jerry is survived by his brothers, Ron (Linda) Ausman and Mike (Priscilla) Ausman; sisters, Linda (Mike) Morrissey and Joan (Jim) Gehler; Uncle Tom (Diane) Ausman; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 11:00 am at Smith Funeral Chapel. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery Eau Claire after a luncheon in the dining hall at Smith Funeral Chapel.