Gregg W. “Bud” Johnson, 87, of Austin, died Monday, Dec. 12, 2011, at Good Samaritan Care Center, St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Gregg W. Bud Johnson was born March 19, 1924, in Austin, Minn. He attended Austin Public Schools. Growing up, he worked on the family farm. In 1943, he enlisted in the Air Force. He trained in Nevada and California. He received his wings, and in 1944 he and his crew were sent to the Pacific, stationed in New Guinea, the Philippines and later in Japan. After serving his country in World War II, he returned to Austin, working at his father, Art’s, Fairview Grocery Store. In 1948, Bud opened the A&W Drive-In in Austin. Bud enjoyed flying his Cessna 172 in the Austin flying club. Bud also attended the World War II Honor Flight in 2009 to Washington DC.

Bud was active in the Lions Club for more than 60 years in addition to active membership in the Elks Club, Legion Club, and VFW. He loved collecting antique and classic cars, attending the New London to New Brighton Car run with his 1906 Cadillac. Bud loved to ski and taught many friends and family how to ski the slopes of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Colorado. Bud also loved to cross country ski at the Hormel Nature Center.

Bud is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen; son, Gregg Johnson of Austin; daughters, Mary (Mike) Nelson of Austin and Emily (Jim) Reitter of Lakeville, Minn.; six grandchildren: Scott Nelson, Anna Johnson, Elyse Reitter, Kari Johnson, Erik Reitter and Braeden Johnson; sister, Sarah Himsel of Milwaukee, Wis., numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Christ Episcopal Church in Austin with the Rev. Dr. Candice Corrigan officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery with Austin Post 91 American Legion in charge of military rites. Visitation will be held at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and at the church for one hour before the service on Thursday. There will be no reviewal.