Verne Austin

Verne Austin passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026 in Birmingham, Alabama. Verne (LaVerne) was 97 years old.

Verne was born in Bancroft, Iowa on March 19, 1929 to Florence and Verne Austin. Verne graduated from St. John’s High School in 1947 and immediately went on to have a full, life-long career as a musician pianist. He joined the Marines in 1950 and played for the Officers’ Clubs around Europe. After release from the service Verne joined the Glenn Miller Band for several years. Then in the 1960’s, joined the Tommy Dorsey Band where they had a stint on the Ed Sullivan Show. In the 1970’s Verne played with several Jazz & Swing bands throughout the country. He played in more than 100 ballrooms to include the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island, the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago, Roseland in New York City and the historic music venue, the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. In the 1980’s Verne joined the Don Glasser Band where they eventually retired to Birmingham to become the House Band at “The Club.” (The Club was featured in the 2018 film Green Book). Verne continued to play well into his 90’s for his friends in his retirement home where he lived until his death. Verne lived a beautiful, carefree life of music which enriched his life and brought many happy memories to his extended family.

Verne is survived by his only sister, Meredith Abdo (brother-in-law, Joseph Abdo, deceased); 7 nieces & nephews; 16 great nieces & nephews; and 13 great-great nieces & nephews.

His music and life will be greatly missed by all of us.

The mass and burial will be private in Mankato later this Spring. Rest In Peace Verne.