Bradley Kent Johnston 1962-2011

JOHNSTON

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/24/2012 at 10:03:32

Sioux City Journal
July 29, 2011

Bradley Kent Johnston, 49, of Sioux City died Saturday, July 23, 2011, at a Sioux City hospital after a six-month struggle with complicated health issues.

Services will be 4 p.m. Saturday at Becker-Hunt Funeral Home in South Sioux City. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. A reception will follow at American Legion Club in South Sioux City.

Brad was born May 11, 1962, the youngest of five children born near Waterbury, Neb., on the Hezekiah Way-Johnston family farm, homesteaded in 1871. He was proud of that. Bradley graduated from South Sioux City High School in 1982. He served in the Naval Reserve for nine years and was trained to be a heavy machine operator and welder.

He enjoyed employment at Wilson Trailer for 20 years and at Soo Tractor for five years. Brad taught welding classes at Wilson Trailer, where he was a representative for the Machinist's Union.

He was a terrific darts man and played catcher in a local baseball league. Brad enjoyed hunting on the family farm during the years with his dad and brothers. He was always good for a nature or history lesson, being known as Mr. Animal Planet. Brad loved his family and loved to tell jokes, but was only comfortable with the truth in life. He grew the biggest sunflowers and pumpkins, gave the best bear hugs and was always ready to pass out Godly wisdoms -- but only if a person asked for it. He was a student of Valley Hope. His faith was true and strong. He is with his Lord now. The honor was ours. Oh, Bradley ....

Survivors include his special family, Julie Conley, her son Drayton (Alicia) and grandson Anthony; his mother, Floydene "Dee" Mathiesen; sisters, Crystal Sparks of Michigan and Kellie Rae Theiss of Minnesota; brothers, Willard C. (Terri) Johnston of Dakota City and Tim (Debbie) Johnston of South Sioux City; and many beloved uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Willard Frank Johnston; his grandparents, Floyd Wiig, Ruth Wiig-Nobbe and Vern, and Roy and Frances (Fuzzy Way) Johnston; and Mel Mathiesen.

The family will direct memorials to Valley Hope in O'Neill, Neb.