Bruce Johnson

Bruce Neil Johnson, 93 years of age, died July 16, 2022, in Oklahoma City at Concordia Senior Living Center. Bruce was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 15, 1929, to Marie and Harry Johnson. Raised in Milwaukee with his younger sister, Judy, Bruce had fond memories of summers and weekends spent hunting and fishing at his grandparents' lake cottage, Wild Rose, Wisconsin. During the Korean War Bruce served three years in the U.S. Army and was released from active duty as a second lieutenant in 1954 to complete his education. On April 3, 1956, he married Barbara, his wife of 63 years until her death in 2019. He earned his BS in Soil Conservation Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1957. The couple had four children as Bruce's career in agricultural chemical marketing took the family to Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and then ultimately to Oklahoma with Kerr-McGee Chemical. Throughout his life, however, Bruce retained his Wisconsin ties with regular visits to his family lake home on Gilbert Lake, Wild Rose, where he delighted in fishing for walleye and spending time relaxing with family and old friends. Year after year, during his visits to the lake, Bruce would exclaim, "Ahh, how I love this place!" Bruce was an enthusiast with many interests. Bruce and Barbara enjoyed traveling, gardening, attending symphony Pops concerts, playing bridge and socializing with friends. Bruce was especially fond of cooking and eating and talking about food. He was fond of good-natured teasing, dogs, polka dancing, and he loved a party! Upon his retirement he assumed nightly cooking duties, learned to bake homemade bread, and spent endless hours designing and creating stained glass art.Bruce stayed active and fit with home or lake house projects, such as constructing rock walls, concrete steps, fire pits, brick patios, landscaping, refinishing cabinets and painting. Bruce generously assisted his children with their projects, and freely offered advice with his notorious lead-in, "here's what you do…" A kind and caring man, he volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels throughout his retirement. Although a dedicated attendee at the Pacer Fitness back class, by his own admission he spent as much class time joking and resting as exercising. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara Anne (Behnke) Johnson; his parents, Harry Sage and Marie H. (Maschmeyer) Johnson; and his sister, Judy (Johnson) LaLeike of Kennett Square, PA. He is survived by his daughter, Katie (Johnson) Say (Tony Say) of Oklahoma City, and his sons James C. Johnson (Kathy Malone) of Edmond, Charles B. Johnson (Dana Truesdell) of Oklahoma City, and Stuart W. Johnson of Oklahoma City; grandchildren Christopher Johnson (Meg), Matthew Johnson (Andrea), Elaine Johnson, Ashley (Johnson) Moss (Tyler Moss), Stephanie Johnson, Mollie Say Campbell (Taylor Campbell), Emily Say, Caroline Say; and eight great-grandchildren.True to his love for parties, Bruce celebrated his 93rd birthday the day before his death with a saxophone serenade of "Happy Birthday" at his Concordia bedside. The family would like to express appreciation to the staff at Concordia Senior Living Center and Good Shepherd Hospice for their care and support. The family wishes to gratefully acknowledge Frances Kelly, who was very dear to Bruce's heart in his last year.A private memorial service will be held for family and friends.In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Hospice of your choice.