Bruno J. Johnson

Bruno J. Johnson, 90, of Cedar Valley, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at the Grand Itasca Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was born March 21, 1915 in Cedar Valley to John and Hilja (Niemi) Johnson. Bruno grew up and went to school in Cedar Valley. After his marriage, he purchased the family homestead, which he farmed, and he was also a logger. He worked on road construction for 14 years, helping to build many of the highways in northern Minnesota. He then went to work for Trico Oil for 15 years, retiring in May 1980. During this time period, he earned the nickname "sucker man" from the many children he gave treats to on his route. Bruno was united in marriage to Frances Spawn on April 20, 1946 in Grace Lutheran Church in Hibbing. They had two children and cared for foster children for several years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cards. He was a member of the Moose, Eagles, the Merry Makers Dance Club in Floodwood and was a member of the Floodwood Co-op Association Board. Bruno served as the Cedar Valley Township constable for several years and was a state fire warden for 46 years. He retired from the Teamsters in 1980 and had also been a member of the 49ers union. Bruno was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ralph; and a sister, Toinie (Monte) Skomars. Bruno will be missed by Fran, his wife of 59 years; his son, Stan (Su) of Hibbing; his daughter, Donna (Mark) Raich of Meadowlands; foster sons, Ted (Helga) Hunt of Pengilly, Fred (Irene) Hunt of Otsego, Tom (Donna) Farrell of Floodwood and Albert (Janet) Hoff of Rosemount; six grandchildren, Brian Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, Mark Raich, Mathew Raich, Jessica Johnson and Ben Johnson; and six great grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Monday, March 20, 2006 in the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Cedar Valley officiated by Pastor Mark Palmer. Burial will be in the spring in Cedar Valley Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet.