Bruce Frederick Johnson

Bruce F. Johnson lived a life rooted in his Christian faith, cherishing his family, friends, and community. Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Elmer and Edna Johnson, he was the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Southeast High School and went on to earn a degree from the University of Nebraska. Bruce proudly served in the Army and then the Army National Guard, later becoming a liaison between the Guard and the community, advocating for enlistment, training, and service.

In 1962, Bruce met Jill Crump at the beach on a sunny Memorial Day weekend. They married in September 1965, and this year would mark their 60th wedding anniversary. Together, they welcomed their son, Adam William, on May 30, 1979. Bruce was further blessed with a daughter-in-law, Jessica Poeling, and a granddaughter, Addison Marie, born on October 17, 2017.

Bruce began his career with Mobil Oil Company in Lincoln before purchasing Hempel Oil in Alliance, Nebraska. He became a key figure in his community, providing essential services through several local businesses. He served as president of the Nebraska Petroleum Marketers Association and was a Deacon at his church.

Bruce and Jill enjoyed traveling to many destinations around the world, with his favorite trips being to Egypt and Greece with his sister-in-law Bonnie and friends. They found their happy spot in Hill City, South Dakota, where they entertained a constant stream of family and good friends. Bruce’s hobbies were many, from piloting his own plane to mountain climbing, scuba diving, and photography. He also loved camping, fishing, and spending time in the Boundary Waters with Adam. In addition to these adventures, they enjoyed hunting, boating, and skiing together.

A lifelong church member, Bruce was active in the Little White Church in Hill City and, more recently, Broadway Christian Church in Mesa, Arizona, where he was part of the Men’s Group and attended services regularly until the end.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Edna and Elmer Johnson, and his six siblings. He is survived by his wife, Jill; his son Adam (and daughter-in-law Jessica); his granddaughter Addison Marie; sister-in-laws Bonnie Johnson and Terri VandenBurg (Robert) as well as nephew Randy Johnson (Dixie), niece Linda Parchert (Carroll), cousin Jack Johnson (Glenda), and many great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 15, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Mariposa Gardens in Mesa, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bruce’s memory to:

Noble Hospice 2222 S. Dobson Rd, Ste. 1004 Mesa, AZ 85202