Bruce Lynn Johnson

Bruce was born on May 17th of 1944. His parents were Glynn Arthur Johnson and Lanetta Carolyn Johnson.  He had an older brother, Larry, who passed away in childhood, and an older sister, Sharon.

Many of his younger years were spent on the farm near Buffalo Center, Iowa. Bruce moved multiple times when he was younger between areas of Iowa, Arizona, and Florida. In his later teens, his family settled on a farm located near Dickens, Iowa. A young lady caught his eye at Lake Center School which is now owned by the family. 

Bruce loved cars, his fast cars. He once picked up his date (Janet Sorenson) in a 1937 Chevrolet Coupe with bored out pistons, a racing cam and slicks to move. He also had a 1960s Chevrolet Corvette in the 70s. As he drove that car down to Iowa, as the story goes, Bruce said, “I down shifted going around the corner so I could pick up some speed and blew the engine.” Bruce owned many cars that included a 57 Chevy, 65 Buick, a brand new 1966 Pontiac Catalina, several Cadillacs, a 1963 GTO, and several sport convertibles. In all, he owned about 28 cars not including his work vehicles or vans. 

Bruce loved to drive fast. He owned several VW Rabbits. He raced the Rabbits on ice for several years. Bruce also went to the Las Vegas Speedway. At the speedway, he took a class to drive a Nascar around the track (this was done after his mom passed away). 

Bruce kept his eye on the young lady (Janet). The young lady also watched him. Bruce escorted Janet (queen) to Homecoming at Terril High School in 1964. This was the same year Bruce drove the school bus which took Janet home. 

On February 12, 1965, Bruce and Janet were married at a Lutheran church in Spencer, Iowa. Bruce and Janet were blessed with four children, Beth, Matthew, Severin, and Macord.

Bruce was a hard worker that provided for his family. They moved to Lime Valley Trailer Court in Mankato, MN in 1966 so Bruce could attend Mankato Commercial College. Bruce’s workday started at 6am at the Coca-Cola plant. He then walked across the street to Holiday Gas Station at 3pm and worked until 11pm. After that, he would stock shelves at the Owl’s Grocery Store until the inventory was completed. He later worked for Sears selling car tires. Then, in 1973, Bruce and Janet started their own business. Shineway started with window washing and later added janitorial services and carpet cleaning. At its peak, Shineway employed 50 people in a single year and about 1,500 employees over the years. Shineway is still family-owned and well-respected in the community.

Bruce also liked to play. He enjoyed the company sponsored coed softball games. He enjoyed golfing. Bruce was known for his big slice and his even bigger personality. He had the exploding golf balls, his pink attire, and his special putting ball (a black 8 ball golf ball). When mobility became difficult, he hung up his clubs and picked up a ping pong paddle. Bruce enjoyed ping pong at Bethel Baptist church where he brought many of his grandchildren to play with and against him. 

Bruce and Janet liked to travel. They wintered many seasons in Navarre, Florida. Bruce and Janet also delivered RVs for Winnebago for four years. They also traveled many miles on a Honda Goldwing throughout the United States. No, they never went to Sturgis. 

Above all, Bruce loved his Lord and Savior. He is remembered by many by leading prayer before mealtime. He enjoyed his men’s Bible study on Monday mornings. He was also the driver to the Men’s Retreat in northern Minnesota on Trout Lake.

Bruce passed away at home on the morning of Saturday, May 13th, with his wife by his side.

Bruce will be remembered as an entrepreneur, gentleman, hugger, jokester, and a loving husband and father. To God be the glory!

Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Matthew (Angie) and their children, Hank and Jana; son, Severin (Linda); son, Macord (Megan) and their children, Mia, Maverick, and Molly; sister, Sharon (Denny) Raarut; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his wife, Janet.

Instead of giving flowers, Bruce would like you to give your loved ones a hug. 

All gifts will be given to help participants attend the Men’s Retreat at Trout Lake. 

Celebration of Bruce's life will be held from 3-6pm, Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary (2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003).