Edwin “Buddy” Eugene Johnson, Sr., 81, of Savanna, Illinois, passed away on February 5, 2026, at Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna. Cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will be held this summer. Buddy’s family would like to offer their sincere thanks to Big Meadows Nursing Home, for the wonderful treatment Buddy received. “Buddy’s girls,” took great care of him! In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Big Meadows Nursing Home.
Born January 21, 1945, in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, Buddy was the son of Sherman and Muriel (Nelson) Johnson. He enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 18, proudly serving aboard the USS America CV-66. He later continued his service as a Naval Reservist, ultimately retiring from the reserves.
Buddy worked at Adams Garage in Hanover, Illinois, before beginning his long career at the Savanna Army Depot, where he remained until its closure in 2000. He went on to work for M&M Marine and the Carroll County Housing Authority, where he would meet the love of his life, Kathleen.
Known to many as Buddy or Bud, he was a true “Swiss Army knife” of a person. He was skilled in carpentry, mechanics, and just about anything he put his hands to. He loved tinkering in his “man cave,” and spending time outdoors, pontooning and camping. Proud of his Norwegian heritage, he especially cherished the holiday pastries lovingly made by his sisters. He looked forward each year to the Johnson family reunion in Wiota, Wisconsin.
Buddy enjoyed watching WWE, the History Channel, the Weather Channel, and NASCAR. A devoted Ford man, he never met a stranger and had friends everywhere he went. He loved Old Tyme music, playing his drums with his dad on the accordian. He was a past member of the Hanover Lions Club and the Hanover Volunteer Fire Department. He could always be found at his favorite “morning coffee club,” most recently at Milo and Beaver’s.
Buddy’s warmth, humor, and easygoing nature made him unforgettable. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Buddy is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons, Edwin (Kim) Johnson, Jr., of Hanover, James (Tammi) Johnson, of Savanna, Thomas Johnson, of Hanover, Mathew (Christina) Reese, of Kansas City, MO, and Timothy (Becka) Reese, of Lanark; daughter, Kimberly Reese, of Lanark; grandchildren, Briana, Trinity, Hannah, Abbi, Corey, Kaley, and Adalynn; great-grandchildren, Arlo, Alexis, Adeline, and Skyler; siblings, Karen Ranchino, Judith Wheeler, Janet (Ted) Farrey, and Larry (Heidi) Johnson; brothers-in-law, John Folsom, Kenny (Della) Folsom, Gary (Dian) Folsom, and Wayne Leonard; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Dougherty; and special nephew, Jacob Dougherty. Buddy is preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and Muriel; father-in-law, Merle Folsom; mother-in-law, Janet (Don) Noon; daughters, Elizabeth and Kathleen; granddaughter, Valerie Johnson; sister, Barbara Leonard; and brothers-in-law, Timothy Folsom, Thomas Folsom, and Lou Ranchino.
