Bernard (Bernie) L. Johnson, 85 and 3 months of Sandstone MN died peacefully on Friday June 20th, 2025, at home at Bass Lake.

Bernie was born in Sandstone MN on February 23rd, 1940 to Carl and Genevieve (Anderson) Johnson. He grew up in Askov and Sandstone with the Kettle River as his playground. The second of four boys, Bernie had a lifelong deep friendship with his brothers Willard, Eldie, and Arne. Graduating from Sandstone High school in 1958 in a class of 32, he continued to have monthly breakfast 'reunions' with his classmates.

After graduation Bernie worked on a farm in South Dakota and in 1959 he returned to Minnesota where he started a 38-year career as a machinist at Honeywell. In 1962 Bernie married the love of his life, Sharon (Nelson) Johnson at Grace Lutheran Church in Sandstone.   The following year they welcomed twin sons, Bryan and Bruce, and their daughter Bonni in 1970.

After his retirement from Honeywell, Bernie spent much of his time focusing on his partnership in Bass Lake Mill, which he and brother-in-law Dale Nelson started in 1975. Known as a fix it guy, Bernie spent countless hours restoring old cars and machining parts for friends and neighbors in his shop. His yearly Johnson Family reunions were always a fun time for Bernie to catch up with relatives.

An avid hunter, Bernie shared his love for this sport with many friends, his children and grandchildren.  He also fiercely protected the deer that grazed on his lawn.   Bernie was most happy when he was dragging a fishing line on his pontoon boat in Bass Lake with his friends and family.

Bernie is survived by his wife Sharri (Nelson) Johnson; children - Bryan (Sherry) Johnson, Bonni (Jason) Brazier; grandchildren - Candi (Dustin) Smith, Bart Johnson, Ben Johnson, Henry Brazier and Frank Brazier; great grandchildren - Taylor Smith, Kylie Smith, and Jude Johnson; Brothers – Carl (Willard, "Willi") (Marianne) Johnson, Eldon Johnson;  sisters-in-law - JoAnn Nelson, Jean Johnson and many beloved friends and relatives.

Bernie is preceded in death by his parents Carl and Genevieve Johnson, son Bruce D. Johnson, brother Arnold Johnson, brother-in-law Dale Nelson, sister-in-law Sandra Johnson, nephews Carl Johnson & Cory Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Dell Grove with Rev. Tim Ehling officiating.  Music is being provided by Nancy Pugh.  Visitation will be from 10-11 A.M. at the church.