Kenton R. Augenstein

Kenton Ray Augenstein, 83, of Strasburg, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026. He was born on June 2, 1942, to Charles and Geraldine (Fouste) Augenstein.

Kenton graduated from Stewardson-Strasburg High School and went on to attend Sparks Business College and graduated with a degree in business. Kenton joined the Army after high school where he was a locomotive operator. He never served in combat but loved his country. On January 17, 1965, Kenton married the love of his life, Evelyn Louthan. Together they built a life filled with love, faith, and family just shy of 60 years of marriage before Evelyn’s passing in 2024.

Kenton was a respected resident of Strasburg. He never knew a stranger and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Kenton was a family man and was so proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His greatest blessings in life called him Dad and Pa. He and Evelyn spent the latter 15 years of their marriage in warmer climates in south Texas, where they made many friends from across the United States. While in Texas, they would cross the border into Mexico, where they made friends with many families there, even “adopting” their own little family that they looked forward to seeing every year.

Kenton retired from the State of Illinois Department of Transportation in 2002 with 20 years of service. After retirement, Kenton owned and operated Augenstein Auto Transport. In his earlier years, he wore many different hats. He worked for York Bin Company, Anaconda Manufacturing Company, F.S. Elevator, and owned and operated Augenstein Custom Spraying.

Kenton was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Stewardson. He was involved in many organizations including the American Legion Post #289 and VFW Post #4829.

Kenton enjoyed time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, teaching them his love for the outdoors and farming and attending all their sporting and school events he could. All of the great grandchildren knew where they could find a tootsie roll pop hidden in Pa’s office. He made sure there was a case of tootsie roll pops at all times along with ice cream bars for himself and the kids. Kenton farmed with his father, Charles Augenstein, for many years. He took care of Evelyn in their home the last 10 years of her life up until her passing in 2024 as she battled Alzheimer’s disease.

Kenton is survived by his daughter, Kathy (Wally) Frost of Strasburg; son, Brad (Kristie) Augenstein of Strasburg; five grandchildren, Charles (Trey) Frost, Allie Nixon, Taylor (Kelsey) Frost, Brittani (Dalton) Mette, Kourtni (Taylor) Kerner, and Gage Augenstein; ten great grandchildren, Brinley, Blake, Eva, Emma, Rowan and Kenton Frost, Aryian Helregel, Eila and Kal Kerner, Harper Mette and Baby Frost due in May 2026. Also surviving is his favorite sister-in-law, Betty (Bill) Myers of Ocala, FL, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Kenton was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn; parents, Charles and Geraldine Augenstein; in-laws, Howard and LaDon Louthan; and special sister-in-law, Billie Mae Louthan.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Stewardson, IL, with Pastor David Weaver officiating.. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home in Shelbyville from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and one hour before services on Wednesday. Burial will be in Stewardson Cemetery with military rites by the Strasburg American Legion Post #289. In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials may be made to the Strasburg Lion’s Club for renovations to the Strasburg Ball Diamond or the Strasburg American Legion Post #289.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, HSHS Hospice Care led by Kelsey Frost, and SPS Home/Hospital Care.