Bradley Murray Johnson, affectionately known to many as “BJ,” passed away peacefully
on June 29, 2026.
Celebration of Life For Bradley M. Johnson
(February 5, 1953 – June 29, 2026)
Class of 1971, Cambridge High School
You are invited to share your memories of BJ with his family and friends
• Time: Monday, July 27, 2026, 4-7 PM
• Place: Wintergreen’s Restaurant, County Rd. 5, Isanti MN
• D’oeuvres will be served on the hour at 4, 5 and 6 PM
• Beverages may be purchased from Wintergreen’s Cash Bar
• Individual dinners may be ordered and purchased from the Restaurant
• Casual Attire
• Please bring photos to share your life experiences with Brad
Brad was born in Heron Lake, Minnesota, on February 5, 1953. During his childhood, his
family lived in Okabena, Winthrop, Zumbrota, Faribault, and Wahpeton, North Dakota,
before settling in Isanti, Minnesota, in the summer of 1964. It was there that Brad
completed elementary school and went on to graduate from Cambridge High School in
1971. A gifted athlete and popular classmate, Brad excelled in sports, earning All-
Conference honors three times in both baseball and football and was proudly crowned
the Class of 1971 Homecoming King. BJ developed life-long friendships with many of
his classmates and teammates.
Following high school, Brad attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education. Guided by deep empathy and great
compassion for special needs children, Brad dedicated his career to teaching, impacting
young lives across Minnesota in Elgin, Stillwater, Duluth, Hopkins, and Litchfield.
Family was central to Brad's life. In 2003, he married Vicky Penk, and, demonstrating his
thoughtful nature, the ceremony was held at his father’s nursing home chapel in North
Branch so his dad, a resident there, could comfortably attend. Brad shared an
unbreakable bond with his brothers, especially after the loss of their mother when Brad
was just 14. The three Johnson brothers remained incredibly close throughout his life,
frequently gathering to cheer on the Twins and Vikings, or spending evenings singing
karaoke together. Brad loved music, and some of his favorite vocals to perform were
Willie Nelson songs and Kris Kristofferson’s “For the Good Times.”
Brad also had a profound love for animals and held a special place in his heart for dogs.
His life was blessed by three treasured canine companions: Izzy, Friday, and Murlyn. His
beloved black lab, Murlyn, was a true lifesaver, helping Brad navigate the grueling
chemotherapy and radiation treatments during his battle with laryngeal cancer in 2015.
One of the hardest moments of Brad's life was saying goodbye to Murlyn in 2020, who
also succumbed to cancer.
Brad is preceded in death by his mother, Muriel (d. 1967); his father, Otto (d. 2003); and
an infant brother, “Baby” Johnson (d. 1950).
He is survived and lovingly remembered by his former wife, Vicky; his devoted brothers,
Gary and Keith (Arnie); his sister-in-law, Kristine; his nieces, Lauren, Kelsey, and Alyssa;
and six grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
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