Austin Dale Hall passed on January 31, 2025 at the age of 84 in Minot, North Dakota. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Zaida, his family, his many friends and the community.
Austin was born on July 21, 1940 in Allegan, Michigan to Donald and Egie (Butler) Hall, the 6th of eight children. In 1943, the Hall family settled on a farm in Otsego township, where Austin developed his work ethic doing farm chores. He especially recalls having to pick the small pickling cucumbers. Austin also developed his love for cooking, spending time with his mother in the kitchen, and learning favourite recipes – from her potato salad and beef vegetable soup to Swiss steak.
Austin’s career in the sewing industry began early, working fulltime by age 17 at HL Friedland and sons where he was a bundle boy. Over his career, he learned every part of the garment industry, managing his first plant in his early 30’s, and working his way up and his way around in 7 states. Eventually, he landed in Winnipeg, Canada, where he met the love of his life, Zaida. Together, they settled in North Dakota where they combined years of his “know-how” with her business sense and started Soaring Eagle Outerwear.
Austin loved spending time in the outdoors – fishing, camping and hunting – passions he shared with his wife, Zaida and many friends. Austin and Zaida enjoyed the communities they camped with at Nutimik Lake in the Whiteshell Provincial Park as well as in the Parshall area of Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota. Austin’s love of fishing began in the many lakes of Michigan and continued through the mountain streams of the Smoky Mountains, the Canadian Shield and most recently Devil’s Lake. He was always happiest when fishing with a friend.
Over his life, Austin had a strong connection with the people in his communities. In Michigan, he would plow out his friends and neighbors’ driveways often on a trade or barter system. He was connected to the CB radio community (10-4, Plowboy) and expanded that world when he turned on his Hamm radio. Austin and Zaida shared many meals with their work families, camping communities and friends. Out of all his work contracts and projects, Austin loved the ones that tied people together whether it be simple repairs or just making a coat for someone in need.
Austin is mourned by his wife of 38 years, Zaida; his four children, Tom (Carrie) Hall of Craig, Colorado, Pam (Eddie) Black of Marietta, Georgia, Christine Hall (David Minor) of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Martin (Kristine) Hall of Sammamish, Washington; his 11 grandchildren, Whitney, Wesley, Whiley, Carolee, Eddie, Rocky, Mandy, Erin, Ryan, Kate and Grace; his brother, Carl (Annette) Hall; many great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Austin was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Donald, Jane, Jim, Dale, Mary Lou and Rose Ann.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Lung Association.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday February 21, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.
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