Brian "Buff" R Johnson

Brian “Buff” Johnson, 71 of New London, died unexpectedly Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls while working in the Sioux Falls area.  Visitation will be Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 5-7:00 p.m. followed by a 7:00 p.m. Service of Remembrance at the Johnson Funeral Home in New London.                           

Brian Raymond Johnson was born on July 14, 1954 in Willmar the son of Vernon and Joan (Rossell) Johnson. He grew up in Spicer and attended New London-Spicer High School, graduating in 1972.  On December 8, 1978, Buff was united in marriage to Dawn Johanson. Early in their marriage he worked in construction and they lived throughout the midwest and south before returning to New London in 1992, where he owned Buff’s Backhoe.  He later worked as a heavy equipment operator for Midwest Underground and was currently working for Anderson Underground. He loved his work and took pride in the job at hand.  

Buff enjoyed always keeping busy and was known for his work ethic and being a stickler for perfection on all things, from putting up a fence line to the vehicle he restored, the Mustang Boss 302. He was the guy who could fix anything for anyone. He loved his time racing dirt bikes and snowmobiles with his sons and spending time with his family.

Buff is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dawn; sons, Jeremiah Johnson (Sara) and Jesse Johnson; granddaughters, Rylee, Kendall and Kam; mother, Joan Holm; siblings, Brenda Johnson and Bradley (Melissa) Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon.                    

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