Bryan Longstreet

Mankato Mortuary
507-388-2202

Bryan "BJ" Longstreet, 37 year old son of Gary and Judy Longstreet of North Mankato, died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 3, 2011 in Moorhead.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 12, 2011, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato, with Fr. Andy Olsem officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Aplastic Anemia Foundation of America. Mankato Mortuary assisted with the arrangements.

BJ was born on November 16, 1973 in Minneapolis. He moved with his family to Sioux Falls, S.D. and Worthington, MN before growing up in North Mankato. BJ graduated from Mankato West High School in 1992 and Mankato State University in August 1998. When BJ was 13 years old he was diagnosed with a chronic blood disorder which affected all aspects of his life. While in high school he participated in basketball, swimming, and tennis. During summers BJ worked as a lifeguard at the North Mankato pool and also at Caswell Park. He coached tennis at Mankato West for a couple of seasons. He put himself through college working for McDonalds. After college BJ worked at the St. Peter Treatment Center for a few years, as a pharmacy tech, an HST, and the Club House.

BJ loved spending time hunting, fishing, bonfires at the lake, and being with his family. He spent countless fall seasons hunting with his father, brother, and friends. BJ enjoyed fishing at Lake Shetek with his brother-in-law and nephews. He loved being with family in the great outdoors. BJ was a natural with children. He spent many years watching his niece and nephews. They adored being with him and loved playing video games, sports, reading, or just listening to his stories.

BJ had an incredible journey in this world and has taught us all so much. More than anything, he softened our hearts to appreciate life, friends, and family. He reminded us that life is meant to be taken one day at a time and that we should be thankful for each day God has given us. BJ gave his family an amazing gift " and we will treasure that" and him" for the rest of our lives.

BJ is survived by his parents, Gary and Judy Longstreet of North Mankato; sister, Cami (Robert) Zimmer of Rosemount; brother, Todd Longstreet and his special friend, Julie Hawkes of North Mankato; nephews, Zach and Jake Zimmer; niece, Anna Zimmer; also aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents.