Bernard Allen Johnson

Bernard Allen “Bernie” Johnson

Bernie Johnson, age 93, died peacefully in his home in the loving presence of daughters Amy and Sara on April 23, 2026 after battling pneumonia.

The oldest of three children, Bernie was born in Duluth on March 20,1933 to Dolphe and Leona Johnson. He grew up in Duluth’s West End and attended St. Jean the Baptist High School, where he met his life-long friend Jim Perrault.

Bernie proudly served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard for a combined 10 years. Following the service, he started in the bakery business and eventually became the owner of the Billings Park Bakery in Superior in 1962 and faithfully turned out delicious baked goods until his retirement in 1995.

Bernie married Bette Ericson in 1953 and together they raised their nine children in Woodland. They both had a heart for adventure and instilled this in their children through countless family camping and skiing adventures. After retirement, they moved to Arizona where Bernie spent many hours biking, golfing and volunteering at the Phoenix Zoo. He was an active and dedicated member of Joe Foss American Legion Post 97 and took great pride in his Post involvement. Until the time of their passing, they continued to spend summers at their cabin in Gordon, Wisconsin, enjoying their beloved lake family and friends at Forest Point Golf.

Now to mention what made Bernie, Bernie. He was a hard-worker, a life-long learner and notorious for his bad jokes and smart remarks. He loved storytelling, dispensing questionable wisdom and would literally give you the shirt off his back. He loved his country and his people fiercely. He was loyal, compassionate, and protective – looking out for people was one of his super powers. He was one-of-a-kind.

Bernie loved his family dearly and we felt that love. Bernie is survived by his loving and adoring family, children Cheryl (Don) Breiland, Roger (Diane) Johnson, Chris Johnson, David (Peggy) Johnson, Amy Johnson (Richard Smith), Bill (Charlene) Johnson, Peter Johnson (Marlene Meyer) and Sara Johnson (Ronnie Engle), 15 grandchildren, Liz, Meagan, Katie, Jacob, Jenna, Christina, Riley, Emilie, Jesi, Anya, Clayton, Jeremiah, Dakota, Dan and Samantha, and 21 great-grandchildren, Addie, Bennett, Clara, Eloise, Henry, Sawyer, Reese, Jaxson, Everett, Rosie, Inyo, Molly, Winn, Hendrix, Dax, Xanen, Bailey, Serena, Azad, Gunther and Berrick. Bernie is also survived by his sister and close friend, Vera Vandendries and many nieces and nephews. Bernie is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 71 years, Bette, son Douglas Johnson, parents Leona and Dolphe Johnson, brother Pete Johnson and mother- and father-in-law Gertrude and Elwood Ericson.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 2 at the Solon Springs Community Center from 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm with remembrance and sharing at 2:00pm.

A celebration in Arizona will be held this winter.

Arrangements by Family Burial and Cremation.