Justyn ‘Bud’ Labutski Jr., 88, Burlington, died Feb. 20, 2016, at Lakeland Health Care in Elkhorn.
He was born in Milwaukee on March 10, 1927, to the late Justyn J. and Josephine (Stencil) Labutski. He spent his early life in Oak Creek and graduated from Pulaski High School.
Bud served in the U.S. Army infantry, then transferred to the U.S. Air Force from May 1945 to October 1948. He was a crew chief on a B-29 Superfortess and DC-3 during World War II.
On Oct. 18, 1952, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Milwaukee, he married Joan Marie Clover. Following marriage they lived in Milwaukee before moving to Burlington in 1953.
Bud worked for a butcher while in high school and following his time in the military worked for National Ice & Coal delivering ice, which took him all over Wisconsin, finally ending up in Burlington. When the Burlington location closed down, Bud and Joan were able to purchase the land the business had been on and they eventually built their home there overlooking the picturesque river. This view had the additional pleasure of being the final approach to the Burlington Airport.
Bud then worked for Quality Carriers as a truck mechanic and later worked for Case’s cement pump division as a field engineer where he traveled extensively all over North America before retiring in 1989. Following retirement he worked part-time at Brunk Industries doing maintenance repair.
He was a member of the Oak Creek American Legion. In his youth Bud was in the 4-H where he won numerous ribbons. He volunteered at Hayloft’s Theater during the 70’s building sets and doing lighting. He was a lifetime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and volunteered yearly at the Oshkosh air show where he became co-chairman of the outdoor exhibits. He also led the restoration of EAA’S B-25 bomber and was a recipient of the EAA’S President’s Award. He loved helping friends restore old planes, boats and cars.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years; children, Susan (David) Ellingham, Justyn (Melissa Clausen) Labutski, Steven (Marcia) Labutski; grandchildren, Justyn IV, Shannon, Christopher, Jonathan, Hunter, Bryce, Brooke; sister, Valeria Puetz; sister-in-law, Carolyn Labutski; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.
He was further preceded in death by his brother, John Labutski, and brother-in-law, Gilbert Puetz.
The family would like to thank Justyn’s dearest friend, Jerry Eckert, Dr. Arthur Rein, Lakeland Health Care staff and St. Croix Hospice for their love, care and compassion.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, Feb. 25, at noon at St. Charles Catholic Church with the Rev. Yamid Blanco presiding. Burial will follow in St. Charles Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends is Wednesday, Feb. 24, 3-6 p.m., at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, 625 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington.
Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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