Brian Noel Johnson

Brian Noel Johnson, 65, of Prinsburg, passed away on Saturday, August 16, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family, following complications from heart surgery.

His funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, at Unity Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Brian was born on December 27, 1959, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Paul and Jane (Nyhlen) Johnson. His family later moved to a farm near Belgrade, where he attended school and graduated from Brooten High School.

Brian began his career at Big A Auto in Brooten before enrolling in the auto mechanic program at Willmar Vo-Tech. While attending school, he was offered a job by Bob Huisinga at Service Oil in Prinsburg. Brian accepted the position and went on to dedicate 38½ years of loyal service to the company.

On January 7, 1989, Brian married the love of his life, Danell Deadrick, in Prinsburg. Together, they were blessed with two children, Nicole and Aaron, and four beloved grandchildren.

Brian had a passion for travel, with his favorite being the annual summer trip to Hart Ranch in South Dakota, a cherished tradition with his family for the past 26 years. He also enjoyed numerous other camping adventures, and over the past decade, looked forward to yearly motorcycle trips across the country with family and friends. In his free time, he participated in bowling league, spent treasured moments with his grandchildren, and loved attending races to cheer on his son-in-law and grandson.

Brian is survived by his wife of 36 years, Danell; daughter Nicole (Shawn) Fernkes of Danube and their children Emilee, Bentlee, and Brynlee; son Aaron Johnson (Nicole Swenson) of Pennock and his son Barrett. He is also survived by his stepfather Don Segaar of Brooten; brothers Curt (Connie) Johnson, Daryn (Sharon) Johnson, Eric (Deanna) Johnson, and Shawn (Heather) Segaar-Bratsch; sister Heather (Travis) Bauer; sister-in-law Carol Johnson; parents-in-law Dan and Marie Deadrick of Paynesville; and brothers-in-law Josh Deadrick and Joe Deadrick.

He was preceded in death by his mother Jane Segaar, father Paul Johnson, and brother Allen Johnson.

Brian will be remembered for his strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.