Bruce J. Johannsen, 65, Bayard

Bruce J. Johannsen, 65, Bayard
December 5, 1957 - December 16, 2022

Bruce J. Johannsen, age 65, of Bayard, NE passed away in Scottsbluff, NE on Friday, December 16, 2022. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Bayard Church of Christ in Bayard, NE with Pastor Bill Ferrero officiating. The family requests casual/sports attire to be worn. Inurnment will be at the Angora Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Angora Community Hall.

You may view Bruce’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com.  Memorials may be given to the Bayard High School Track Equipment fund drive.

            Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Bruce’s care and funeral arrangements.

            Bruce Jon Johannsen was born December 5, 1957, at Bridgeport, NE, to John Franklin and Twila June (Wood) Johannsen.  He began his education at a one-room schoolhouse in the Goodstreak area near the family farm and graduated from 8th grade from Angora as Valedictorian at the Morrill County rural schools’ commencement. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school and graduated from Bayard H. S. with the Bicentennial Class of 1976.        

            Bruce married Tracy Morgan in 1976 and they had a son together, Chad Guy. Bruce began what became his career as a meatcutter at his in-laws’ grocery store, Morgan’s Jack & Jill in Bayard. Bruce and Tracy divorced, and he was married for a short time to Karen Kitt of Minatare beginning in 1982.
Bruce then began to work at Econofoods grocery store in Scottsbluff in the mid 1980’s. There he met Donna Wickersham Fox, and they were married in 1992. Bruce and Donna moved to Loveland, CO, and later near Carter Lake outside of Loveland. Bruce worked at Albertson’s Supermarket in various locations around that area for what would become more than 30 years. After he and Donna split up in 2007 Bruce lived in Fort Collins. He had many friends he enjoyed spending time with, especially at his favorite place of Old Chicago.

            Bruce was an avid sports fan – especially cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Denver Broncos, CSU Rams and other Colorado professional teams. He also bowled in leagues around Scottsbluff before leaving the area and had many memorable nights with his teammates. Having grown up camping and boating with his family, Bruce really enjoyed fishing, and going with friends on their hunting trips to help field dress the deer or elk.

            Bruce retired from Albertson’s/Safeway after 33 years in 2021 and moved back to his hometown of Bayard in September 2022, where he made his home until his death just three months later.

            Bruce is survived by his son Chad Johannsen of Gardner, KS; brother Dallas Johannsen and his wife Judy of Scottsbluff; sister Peggy Johannsen and her wife Laura of Sunrise, FL; nephews Brian Gregg and William Johannsen; great-niece Abigail Gregg; Uncle Charles Johannsen and wife Ellen; several cousins; and former step-children Amanda Fox Swift and Bob Fox.

            Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Tootie Johannsen, aunt Mildred Schwindt, uncle Gordon Wood., first wife Tracy and second wife Karen. Bruce also saved the ashes of two very good dogs of his, Marco and Jill, and they will be with him when his urn is buried.