Bradford R. Johnson

MADISON - Bradford Ronald “Brad” Johnson, age 83, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on Jan. 9, 1941, in Madison, the son of Arthur and Lucy (Meise) Johnson.

Brad graduated from Madison East High School in 1959 and from MATC in 1961, with a degree in printing. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, JoAnn (Gerber) Johnson, on Sept. 14, 1963, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Madison. All of Brad’s life, he worked as a printer on a Heidelberg Press.

Brad loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, bow-hunting and metal detecting. He enjoyed playing his guitar and listening to country music, especially Johnny Cash and George Jones. Adventures up north to Minocqua, Mercer, Chetak, Door County and Hayward were among his treasured excursions, as were the memorable vacations to Branson, Niagara Falls and Nashville. He enjoyed gambling and a trip to Las Vegas. Brad was a fan of westerns, and found contentment in solving puzzles, exploring with his iPad, and taking daily car rides to McDonald's for a coke.

Brad’s time with his beloved grandchildren was precious, and his grand-dogs, Zulu, Black Jack, Lady Bird, Precious, Juno, and Halo, brought him immeasurable joy. He especially had a great love for his own dog, Wolf. The companionship of his visiting nurse, Michelle, and her dog, Stella, brightened his days.

Brad is survived by his wife, JoAnn; sons, Steve (Amy Thomas) Johnson and Scott (Diana Hardman) Johnson; grandchildren, Lexy Johnson, Cassidy (Josh) Johnson and Jarred Johnson; great-grandchildren, Celia Humphrey and Elouise Humphrey; sisters-in-law, Pat Allison, Rhonda Shepherd and Jane Johnson; brother-in-law, Benjamin (Mick) Gerber; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Lucy; sisters, Pauline (Donald) Paulson and Francis (Howard) Helgason; brother, Nick Johnson; and sister-in-law; Linda Perry.

The family extends a special thank you to all the doctors and nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital that lovingly cared for Brad.

A gathering will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Brad’s name to the Dane County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420