Bradley Johnson

Crosby

Bradley Lloyd Johnson, 73, passed away on June 8, 2026 in Crosby. He was the second of four children, born on September 13, 1952, to parents Lawrence Vernon (L.V.) and Marion (Lybeck) Johnson in Stanley, ND. While attending Stanley High School, he played the saxophone, Legion baseball, and was a member of the wrestling team. He graduated as an honor student in 1970. He grew up playing sports with neighborhood friends and spent summers at the cabin at Little Knife Bay on Lake Sakakawea where he enjoyed activities like fishing and waterskiing.

Brad attended 2 years at Valley City State University while wrestling and graduated from Minot State University with a B.S. in Education, a major in Biology and minor in Earth Science. He taught science and math for 5 years in McHenry, ND and Columbus, ND. He later became a loan officer and managed the insurance agency at First National Bank in Crosby. There, he met his wife Denise (Dhuyvetter) Johnson, and they were married in 1983. They bought Engberg Insurance Agency and grew their insurance business together while raising their four children in Crosby. Brad Johnson Insurance will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year.

Brad was known and loved by so many people as he was very involved in several community organizations–he was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic church, Kiwanis Club, Toastmasters, a local community band, Northwest Chorus, Church Choir, and served on the City Council and School Board. He was Scoutmaster for 7 years, guiding several winter campouts and scout activities while serving as a mentor and touching the lives of many scouts. He played morning basketball into his 60’s with a group of ‘old timers,’ and he was always one to stay active.

At home, he prioritized time with family and took joy in the simple pleasures of life. He treasured time with family at the Lake Sakakawea cabin, at home playing sports, or watching a family movie with his famous popcorn. He enjoyed working on projects at home and at the cabin with his wife.

At the age of 50, Brad was diagnosed with stomach cancer, which he overcame after gastric bypass surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Two years later, he was diagnosed with Lymphoma. He beat his second cancer attack and was granted over 20 more years to spend time with his beloved family.

Upon retiring from insurance, Brad developed a passion for gardening, especially for cucumbers to ensure there were plenty of homemade pickles.

He enjoyed spending time with his kids and 10 grandkids–Rodney (Nicole), Elydie, Pax, and Aylin Johnson; Annalise (Hideyuki), DeAnn, Leo, and Zane Suzuki; Loren (Tia), Luna, Leilani, Lorence, and Lilliana Johnson; and JoBeth Johnson and gave them all tremendous support. Most of all, he cherished time and activities with his beloved wife, Denise, of 42 years.

In March 2026, the first sign of a third encounter with cancer surfaced, which was an aggressive Stage IV upon diagnosis. Brad’s mind was in a peaceful place when deciding to transition from treatment to hospice, knowing the odds of his condition, and having full support of his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law. He is survived by his spouse, kids and grandkids, siblings, Kent (Bee) Johnson, Roger (Delane) Johnson, and Kathryn (Gary) Thompson, several cousins, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Prayer Vigil service will be held Thursday, June 11, at 7PM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass service will be held Friday, June 12, at 11AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the many acts of kindness, generosity and friendship extended to us during this time. Contributions in memorial of Brad could be made to any of the following:

Northwest Chorus St. Patrick’s Cemetery, c/o St. Patrick’s Church, PO Box 89, Crosby, ND 58730 American Cancer Society, Donate Today | The American Cancer Society

Arrangements: Stakston-Martin Funeral Home; Crosby, ND 58730

Published by The Minot Daily News, June 11, 2026.