Services for John C. (Johnny) Brendalen
Tue, 01/10/2023 - 9:38am
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John C. (Johnny) Brendalen, age 71, of Clearbrook, MN, passed away at his farm after being recently diagnosed with extensive metastatic liver cancer and died peacefully with his daughters by his side on January 2nd, 2023.
Johnny was born on October 26th, 1951, to John and June (Gunderson) Brendalen, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His family moved to the Clearbrook, area when he was 5. He attended Clearbrook schools and graduated High School in 1969, at the age of 17. After graduation, he moved to Minneapolis where he met his lifelong friend Jerry Sands, when they worked at Penny’s Bakery in New Hope. During his time working in the Minneapolis area, he met his wife Judy (Kilian) with whom he celebrated their 50 years of marriage in 2021. They were married on July 31, 1971 and moved back to the family farm in Clearbrook. They were blessed with 2 daughters, and Johnny was an exceptionally devoted husband and father.
Johnny worked with his father and the rest of the family to expand and modernize their dairy farm, until Brendalen Farms became the largest dairy farm in Clearwater County. Johnny ended his dairy farming in 2004, and continued crop farming. He farmed until his final crop was harvested this past fall prior to his diagnosis.
In addition to farming, Johnny has performed the road grading and snowplowing for Leon Township for the past 14 years. Johnny was also a Leon Township Board Supervisor and Election Judge for many years. Additionally, Johnny served on the Clearbrook Elevator Board; as well as a Land O'Lakes Voting Unit Officer. He was also on the American Dairy Association Board. He won several awards from Land O'Lakes Inc. as a Quality Milk Producer for producing premium quality milk during the years he ran the family's dairy farm.
Johnny was active with Elim Lutheran Brethren Church and also served as Treasurer of Elim Men's Fellowship. He faithfully worked delivering “Meals on Wheels” in his community. He was a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and the Clearwater Trail Blazer's Snowmobile Club.
Johnny was recognized by the American Red Cross for achieving donations of over 10 Gallons of blood in the previous decade.
Johnny was a humble and enthusiastic man who loved life and valued relationships above all else. He was a kind man with a huge heart and a willingness to help everyone. He was a devoted caregiver providing physical and emotional support for his wife Judy who suffered for many years from the effects of multiple sclerosis. He relished every minute he could spend pursuing his passions which included reading voraciously on a wide variety of subject matters and topics. If you knew him, he probably shared a book or article for you to read! He loved motorcycling, traveling, classic cars, especially muscle cars! He enjoyed all outdoor activities especially fishing with his cousin Billy, and his grandsons. He was a kind man with a huge heart and willingness to help everyone. Johnny was a man of vast interests, intellect, and abilities; and above all else he cherished time spent with family and friends!
Johnny loved talking with people and a quick trip into town may end up taking 3 hours! He could talk to anyone on any subject and loved learning as much as he could about everything! His passion for life and his appreciation for the beauty God blessed us with from a fall-colored tree to a snowcapped mountain peak, to the dew sparkling on the grass. His appreciation was boundless and sincere.
Johnny wasn't known for brevity in conversation; so, we couldn't help but be a little long winded here!
Johnny is survived by his daughters- Jolyn (Bill) Fisher of Bemidji, MN; Janell (Steven) Wieder of Billings, MT; grandsons - Gabe (15) and Liam (13), Mother- June Brendalen of Clearbrook, MN; sister - Judy Tollefson of Clearbrook, MN; nephew - Justin Tollefson of Badger, MN; and his son - Oliver Tollefson, niece - Laura (Chris) VanDam and their son - Luke, Mother-in-Law - Delores Kilian and Sister-in-Law Carol Kilian of Bemidji. MN; Also, many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.
Johnny was preceded in death by his wife - Judy Brendalen, his father- John Brendalen, father-in-law- Reuben Kilian and brother-in-law - Craig Kilian.
A celebration of life is being planned for Johnny in mid-June, with more information to follow.