Bradley Donald "Doc" Johnson was born December 19, 1955, in Watertown, SD, to Donald and Mary (Rowe) Johnson. Brad passed away from a brave and courageous battle of esophageal cancer on July 13, 2019, at the VA medical Center at Ft. Meade, SD.
Brad graduated from Watertown High School in 1974. He competed in wrestling and rodeo while in school. He spent his summers working on his sister and brother-in-law's ranch near Whitewood, SD. He had fond memories of this time and learned a lot. He enjoyed a variety of things in both work and play. Over his lifetime, he worked as a ranch hand, an underground miner for Homestake, machinist, counselor, soldier, EMT, construction worker, garbage man, taxidermist, factory worker, roustabout, and hardware man. Brad enjoyed a variety of activities including riding in all 3 rough-stock events in rodeo, hunting, fishing, traveling, and judo.
Between active duty, Army Reserves, and National Guard, Brad served 36 years and 10 months in the US Army. Most of his military career was spent as an Army Medic, but he also trained as an artillery man, truck driver, and engineer. He deployed to Iraq in 2003-2004 and to Afghanistan in 2011-2012, both times with the 842nd Engineer Company from Spearfish, SD.
In 2001, he moved to Camp Crook to work at Sky Ranch for Boys. In 2010, Brad married Deb Halen and together they made their home in Camp Crook, SD. He instantly became a step-dad of 4 and was "Papa Doc" to 4 grandchildren. Brad especially loved his role as "Papa." Brad and Deb loved to travel, go on side-by-side rides, and spend time with family and friends.
Brad is survived by his wife, Deb of Buffalo, SD; step-sons, Jason Brenna of Nashville, TN, Tony (Brittany) Vernlund of Sioux Falls, SD, and Patrick Vernlund of Glenwood, IA; his beloved grandchildren, Austin, Shyloh, Light, and Auren; sisters, Deb (Dan) Hefner of Whitewood, SD, and Kim (Dave) Stevens of Hayward, WI; brother, Marc Johnson (Teri) of Watertown, SD; and sister-in-law, Val Johnson of Fargo, ND.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Mary Johnson; brother, Leland Johnson; mother-in-law, Linda Rauenhorst; step-son, Curtis Vernlund; and nephew, Justin Stevens.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 17, from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the Camp Crook Community Center.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2019, at the Camp Crook Community Center with Pastor Jerry Densmore officiating. Burial will follow at the Fairview Cemetery in Camp Crook.

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