Ward C. "Bud" Johnson

1920 - 2016

Ward C. "Bud" Johnson, 96

Ward C. "Bud" Johnson, 96, of Idaville, and a member of "the greatest generation" passed away peacefully at 11:05 pm, Saturday, October 22, 2016 surrounded by his family.

He was born on January 18, 1920 in Minneapolis to the late Frank and Ida (Foss) Johnson. On June 27, 1946, he married the former Elizabeth G. "Betty" Fisher of Chalmers. She preceded him in death October 29, 2009.

Ward was a graduate of Washington High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and went to work for a wholesale grocery company until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. He served with the 773rd Tank Destroyer unit in WWII that landed shortly after D-Day on Utah Beach. The 773rd was later recognized as the unit that destroyed the most German tanks during the European campaign. It was during WWII that Ward met his wife, Betty, who was an Army nurse stationed in England. He was honorably discharged after the war after achieving the rank of Warrant Officer. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Croix De Guerre Avex Palm from France. In 1948 he joined the Anti-Aircraft Battery of Monticello, where he served for three years as Master Sergeant, and often wryly recalled that Monticello was "safe from enemy fire" during those years.

In 1948, Ward (the city boy) and Betty (now from Monticello) moved to Idaville to Betty's father's farm, named it Sioux Monti Farm, and decided to "give farming a try." It was at Sioux Monti Farm where Bud and Betty raised their five children, Jeff, Julie, Janet, Jayne and Jodi, instilling in them the values of hard work, discipline and education.

Ward believed in investing in children and took pride in serving many years as a 4-H leader and, (in the face of local opposition) served on the Consolidation Board for Twin Lakes School Corporation, knowing it would bring better educational opportunities for rural students. He later drove Bus #12 for 25 years for the Twin Lakes School Corporation.

Ward was a member of the American Legion and a member for more than 68 years of Unity Masonic Lodge No. 130 F&AM of Sioux Falls, proudly receiving his 50 Year Award in 1999.

He was proud of his Swedish heritage, his time with the U.S. Army in WWII and especially his family, which he often bragged "was the best family around."

Survivors include his children, Jeff (Lynn) Johnson of Avon, Julie (Bill) Partridge of Mooresville, Janet (Jack) Faker of Monticello, Jayne (Brian) Burton of Delphi, Jodi (Mark) Traub of Greenwood; grandchildren, Jorie Faker, John Faker, Jeff "J.T." Faker, Kevan "K.C." Johnson, Kerry Johnson, Andrew Burton, Eric Traub; and great-granddaughters, Kloe, Braelyn and Paetyn Johnson and great-grandson Brooks Johnson.

In addition to his wife Betty, Ward was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elinore Eccarius and brother, Lynn Johnson.

Visitation will be from 11am until the time of services at 1pm celebrating Ward's life on Saturday, October 29th, at Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello with Pastor Keith Raderstorf officiating.

Private family burial will follow at Riverview I.O.O.F. Cemetery where "Bud" will be laid to rest beside his beloved Betty.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Lafayette Gold Star Moms for future Honor Flights with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Messages of condolence may be extended at www.springerfuneralhome.com.