Daniel "Austin" Johnson

Celebration of Life Update:

A Celebration of Austin's Life will be held at The Wisconsin Historical Society, 816 State Street, Madison, on December 16, 2021 from 4 - 7 p.m. A time of tribute will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Attendees will be welcome to share memories.

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All flowers should be delivered on Thursday, December 16 between 9 AM - 4 PM to:

The Wisconsin Historical Society

℅: Craig Jacobsen

816 State Street

Madison, WI. 53706

*Please articulate that this is NOT the Wisconsin Historical Museum located on the Capital Square - a common mistake.

Deliveries drivers may park on the 800 block of Langdon Street (directly in front of the UW Memorial Union - we are across the street w/ a ramp leading up from Langdon St. to our North entry doors.

We also have a small lot across from UW Science Hall (550 N. Park St.) which they may use though it is usually crowded during normal business hours and not accessible. If they use our lot they should enter the building using the entry doors on the Northside (facing Memorial Union).

All deliveries should be brought into the Main Lobby

Craig's text: 608-370-0824

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Daniel Austin Johnson, 61, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at his home in Madison. He was born on August 25, 1960, in Madison, the son of David N. and Patricia A. (Whalen) Johnson, and step-son of Anita E. Johnson.

Austin graduated from James Madison Memorial High School, later receiving an Associate of Arts degree in Marketing from Madison College.

He was an executive with Larson Management for 32 years. Starting his career as a bartender and waiter, he became General Manager of the original Madison TGI Fridays. Promoted to corporate staff with Larson, he served as Brand Standards Manager and Director of Operations for TGI Fridays Restaurant & Bar locations in Madison and throughout the upper Midwest.

Later, Austin was General Manager of Eno Vino Wine Bar and Bistro on Madison's west side. He led the creation of the firm’s second location atop the Marriott AC hotel, their first General Manager.

At his passing, Austin was Maitre’d and Hospitality Director for the Heritage Tavern in Madison.

Well known, beloved locally, and highly respected nationally, Austin was considered a subject matter expert on hospitality leadership. He was a mentor to a great many working in the hospitality trades.

Austin was a people-person in all the best ways, including the commission of high standards lending to influential results.   With his handsome good looks, sparkly blue eyes, gracious smile, and dapper attire, he lit up a room and attention to detail never waning. But it wasn’t just the admirable external facing attributes that drew us in, it was his underlying charismatic personality, strong work ethic, sharp wit, humor, generosity, gentleness, and acceptance.

Those having the memorable privilege of working for him will appreciate his frequently-cited, hilarious (but sincerely-intended) quote “if you have time to lean, you have time to clean”; those meeting him for the first time were recipients of his hospitable good nature and best-in-class intentions; and those fortunate to call him family or friend are left with heavy hearts filled with gratitude for the countless memories that will have to sustain us as we navigate forward following this beautiful person’s departure.

Austin’s passions included gardening, music, entertaining, and biking. He loved spending time with his family and friends.

Survivors include step-mother Anita Johnson; siblings: Dianne Francis, Michael (Lisa) Johnson, Valerie (David) Martin, Patrick “Pappy” (Jackie) Johnson, Jeffrey (Robyn) Johnson, Bradford (Michele) Johnson, Andrew Johnson and David (Darci) Johnson; and nieces and nephews:  Jeremy, Katy, Alec, Skylar, Nick, Hannah, Paxton, Jessica, Haley, Brandon, Brooke, Delaney, Adelyn and Everly.  Austin is also survived by many aunts, uncles, extended family, special life-long friends (Eric, Erik, Lesa, Mari, and JR) and so many others too numerous to name but certainly not overlooked.

Austin was preceded in death by parents David and Patricia, and other special relatives.

A Celebration of Austin's Life will be held at The Wisconsin Historical Society, 816 State Street, Madison, on December 16, 2021 from 4 - 7 p.m. A time of tribute will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Attendees will be welcome to share memories.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy donations may be made to an organization that Austin was passionate about: the Wisconsin Historical Society, Second Harvest Food Bank, Dane County Lakes and Parks, or the Wisconsin Public Television.

Photo courtesy Nan Gardner

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406