Empowering Communities, Celebrating Minnesota Locally

Bruce Ole Johnson

Bruce Ole Johnson, 60, of Strandquist MN passed away Thursday, March 14th, 2024 surrounded by his family and friends, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks ND.

He was born in Thief River Falls MN, on January 21, 1964. He was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. He graduated from Lincoln High School (Thief River Falls) class of 1982. He excelled in sports. His favorite sports were cross country and hockey. He was co-captain for cross country, and deemed most valuable runner, and won several awards.

After graduation, Bruce attended AVTI in Thief River Falls, MN for welding.  In October 1983, after attending AVTI he enlisted in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged September 23rd 1986 as a specialist four. While attending the Army he was in heavy equipment and construction road work. In 1987 he moved to Oregon to work with his Uncle Raymond, and Cousin Tom in road construction. In 1997 he moved back to Minnesota to be with his parents. Shortly after he met his soon to be Wife Marion Zavoral in Goodrich, MN. They married on May 19, 1999. On December 15, 1999, their son Eli Johnson was born.

They moved to Karlstad, MN. Bruce was employed with Motor Coach Industries in Pembina, ND. In 2003, Bruce began working at Rob Anderson Construction in Newfolden, MN. Bruce was forced to retire after 10 years due to a hunting accident. He was still able to help his son Eli with cattle and haying. He also enjoyed ice fishing and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Marion Johnson; son, Eli Johnson (Kendra), Strandquist;  siblings, Michael (Leone)Johnson, Strandquist,  Holly (Leonard) Hoy, of Roosevelt, MN; in-laws,  Betty and Clayton Loiland, brothers-in-law,  Steve (Jodie) Zavoral, Jeremy (Alison) Loiland and Michael Loiland all of Thief River Falls; nieces, Shanda, Ariel and Leah; nephews,  Josh, Joe, Corey, Craig, Travis, Chaz, Tristan, Aidan, and Jake; and numerous great nephews and nieces. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Ole and Gladys Johnson, and sister Christine; brother-in-law, Lester Stensrud; and his grandparents.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in Grace Lutheran Church, Hallock, MN. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Hallock.  Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6 p.m. in Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock. Rev. Andy Graves, presiding; Erik Finney, soloist; Renee Wahl, organist. Honorary pall bearers will be Gage Skadsem, Michah Lubarski, Keith Schmiedeberg, Chad McDonald, Doug Henrickson and Darrell Westman.