Austin Jayde Sternhagen

Austin Jayde Sternhagen, 21, of Cedar Falls, died May 1, 2024 at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center.

Austin was born July 23, 2002 in Waterloo to Stacy and Colette (Turk) Sternhagen. Following his graduation from Cedar Falls High School in 2021, he attended Hawkeye Community College where he graduated with his Automotive Technology Degree. He was seeking a second degree in Auto Collision Technology and earned his honorary degree posthumously. He was an amazing mechanic and dreamed of having a "Shouse (shop/house)" of his own.

Austin was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and dear friend to all he came across. He was the life of the party and was always eager to help those in need. He went above and beyond with all that he did. Austin loved working at Iowa Auto Rebuilders and liked nothing more than to get his hands dirty. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, camping, golfing, playing video games, riding his motorcycle and working on his Ford Ranger or his Dad's F250 truck. He also liked finding sunsets to take pictures of his vehicles.

Austin admired Ashley and would move the world for his beloved sister.

Austin's selflessness led him to his final act of kindness, being a tissue donor to those in need.

Austin is survived by his parents, Stacy and Colette Sternhagen; sister, Ashley Sternhagen; 3 family dogs, Addie, Mazie and Nilla; maternal grandmother, Ruth Turk; paternal grandparents, Joe and LaVonne Sternhagen; aunts and uncles, Rachael (Anthony) Christensen, Andrea (Bryan) Ward, Michelle Miller, Jeff (Vanessa) Sternhagen Syhlman, Melissa (Ezra Mixdorf) Sternhagen, Mindy Sternhagen and Meredith (Bryan) Hearn; 16 cousins; and many great friends. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Darwin Turk and family dog, Shadow.

The funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. The service will be livestreamed through the link on this HERE . Visitation will be from 4:30-7:30 PM on Tuesday, May 7 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church; resuming at 9:00 AM on Wednesday until the time of service at the church. Everyone attending the visitation or service are welcome to dress casually in their favorite Carhartt gear (Austin preferred black) or whatever you want to wear to honor Austin. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Cedar Falls. Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a future designation.