Bruce Johnson

Bruce Allen Johnson was born December 23, 1945 in Tyler, Minnesota to Carl and Lois (Jewell) Johnson. He was baptized and later confirmed at Opdal Lutheran Church in Florence, Minnesota. He grew up and lived his entire life in the town of Florence, attending elementary school there before graduating from Tyler High School. On January 19, 1964 Bruce married Susan Barron at Opdal Lutheran Church. Their union was blessed with two children and 50 years of life together. When Bruce wasn’t at home, you could often find him in a truck. He was a truck owner/operator in the construction business. Through the years he worked for Heggestad Construction, Dwire, and Worthington Excavating, and also did stump grinding and snow plowing. In Bruce’s contract with Worthington Excavating for 35 years he was known as “The Legend” because of his hard work ethic and attention to details. He always strived to do his best in everything. On Saturday, June 28, 2014 Bruce died at his home in Florence. He was 68 years, 3 months, and 3 days old.

Bruce was a member of Danebod Lutheran Church in Tyler following the closure of Opdal Lutheran Church. At Opdal he had taught Sunday School and served on the Church Council. He was a member of the Florence City Council from 1970-2014. He enjoyed working in his shop, woodworking, and working in his yard, but also liked to relax sitting on the patio and taking weekend drives in his Mercedes. Bruce most enjoyed these times when spending them with family and friends.

Bruce is lovingly remembered by his wife, Susan, of Florence, MN; his children, Tracy (Ward) Engel of Burnsville, MN, and Corey (Karin) Johnson of Cranberry Township, PA; 5 grandchildren, Jared (Meg), Jacob, and Natalie Engel, and Samuel and Nicholas Johnson; his sisters, Norma (Lester) Lundell of Goodhue, MN, Bonnie (John) Dreckman of Balaton, MN, Andrea (Dan) Houselog of Tyler, MN, Nadine (Mike) Cable of Marshall, MN, and Janelle (Don) Rizzardi of Woodbury, MN; sister-in-law Linda Johnson Larsen of Marshall, MN; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Eric.

Blessed be his memory.