Bradley Dwight Johnson, age 57, of Lincoln, passed away unexpectedly May 20, 2021. He was born Jan. 2, 1964, to Dwight and Karen (Porter) Johnson of Omaha.
Brad was dedicated by Dr. R.R. Brown at Christ Community Church, previously Omaha Gospel Tabernacle, in Omaha. After several years of attending the Okoboji Bible Conference with his family, at the age of 10, Brad responded to a missionary’s call to go anywhere the Lord would lead him. In 1982, he graduated from Ralston High School. He furthered his education at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and played on the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team from 1982-1987 under Coach Tom Osborne. During this time, Brad was actively involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and held teaching roles with his church's college and career group. Also while in school, he met Debra Kay Block and they were married June 20, 1987. To this union, they welcomed two children, Parker Scott Johnson and Mary Claire Elise Johnson.
Brad attended Dallas Theological Seminary, where he received two Masters in Christian Education and Family Life Ministry/Biblical Studies. He started ministry as a Student Ministries Pastor at Firewheel Bible Fellowship in Garland, Texas, then Family Life Pastor at Waterbrook Bible Fellowship in Wylie, Texas. In 2008, the Johnson family moved to Nebraska, where Brad served as the Senior Pastor at Arbor Drive Community Church in York, and finally, Pastor of Assimilation at Hillcrest Evangelical Free Church in Seward. A large part of his ministry included small group ministries, performing weddings and funerals, and spiritual counseling.
Brad passionately pursued Jesus. He was an avid supporter of his children's activities and deeply loved everyone near him. He was dedicated to reading and studying the Word and devoted countless hours in the service of others. He was often seen rejoicing with those who rejoiced and mourning with those who mourned. He spent his off-time hunting, skiing in Colorado, helping his wife landscape, learning to become a better cook, singing along to his favorite songs, writing poetry, contributing to the local newspaper and completing sudoku and crossword puzzles.
Brad is survived by wife Deb (Block) of Lincoln; son, Parker (Madison) Johnson of Lincoln; daughter, Mary Claire Johnson of Omaha; parents, Dwight and Karen (Porter) Johnson of Omaha; siblings, Vicki (Dave) Graves of Volga, South Dakota, Rodney (Marlys) Johnson of Lincoln, Leslie (Dan) Nordstrom of Omaha, and Stephanie Johnson of Lincoln; parents in-law, Dale (Mary Lou) Block of Gothenburg; sisters in-law, Bonnie (Bernie) Reed of Holdrege, Judy (Mark) Butler of Holdrege; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by grandparents Adolph (Gurnell) Johnson of Omaha and Merrill (Dorothy) Porter of Omaha.
Visitation will be from 1 to 8:30 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, at Hillcrest Evangelical Free Church, Seward. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 27, also at Hillcrest Evangelical Free Church in Seward with several fellow ministry members and friends officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Johnson family for future designations. Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
