Brian Keith Johnson

On Wednesday October 20th, 2021 while in the comfort of his home, with his wife and daughter by his side, Brian Keith Johnson took his last breath and went home to be with the Lord. Born October 21st, 1942 in Grafton North Dakota to Bjorn and Alice Johnson, Brian was the oldest of three. He was active throughout school playing basketball, football, served as class president and graduated from high school in Larimore, ND. He remains in close contact with many classmates, including his dearest friend, Albert Tuma. Brian was drafted into the Army and served four years. Following his Army service, Brian moved to Kelseyville, California where his uncle (Steve Johnson) and aunt (Anne Newman) resided. His work with Cal Gas Propane changed his life – it was there that he met his wife of 44 years, Marilyn Podany-Tanner. Brian spent his 40-year career dedicated to the safety and growth of the propane industry. He retired from AmeriGas propane in 2009 as a Market Manager of the California North Coast. In retirement, he kept in close contact with his propane family and spoke fondly of the memories created with them. Brian and Marilyn moved to Lincoln in 2012 to be closer to their daughter and granddaughter. They quickly made numerous friends who supported them in their new community. Brian survived numerous health challenges over the years but spent the last five years very active with his family, even starting a makeshift “recycling business” with his granddaughter Rylie. He will be most remembered for his dry sense of humor, tender heart, strong mentorship, and most of off all, the love of his girls.

Brian leaves behind his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Brilynn Johnson-Lemberger (Joey); brother, Steve Johnson, and sister, Terry Steel; stepchildren, Chip Tanner (Bonnie), Cissie Morlan (Brian); adopted son, Gunnar Carlson; granddaughters, Rylie & Karsyn Lemberger; step-grandchildren, Kristin Butcher, Jacob Tanner, Chad Morlan, Cody Morlan, Torie Reeves, and Sydnie Tanner; along with an extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by parents, Bjorn & Alice Johnson; aunts and uncles, Steve & Marilou Johnson, Art & Anne Newman; sister-in-law, Ingrid Johnson; brother-in-law, Bruce Steel; and stepson, Todd Tanner.

A memorial service will be held in Brian’s honor at 10:30am Thursday, November 18th at Lincoln Funeral Home, 406 H. Street in Lincoln. The graveside service will be at 1:00pm Friday, November 19 at Kelseyville Cemetery.