Brian Johnson, 52, of Milan, Illinois, passed very unexpectedly in his sleep on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

Services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, June 28th, 2024, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Milan. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Chapel Grove Cemetery, Milan. Memorials may be left in care of the family to establish an education fund for his children.

Brian was born on February 14, 1972, in Moline, Illinois, the fifth child of James C. and Roberta M. Johnson. Brian graduated from Rockridge High School before going to work for Pinnacle Farms. It was there that he developed a love for the draft horse world and competed with several different six horse hitches across the U.S. under the Pinnacle name. The draft horse business is also where he made countless friends, but also met his bride, Cortney Felger. Brian and Cortney were married on October 5, 2003, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Together they have two children, James and Presley, the brightest lights in his life.

Brian played an important part in the startup of Miller Wagyu Ranch and most recently was employed by Pinnacle County Club. He always loved the game of golf and was most certainly in his element there. Brian was an avid Bears fan. Although he often threatened to stop watching their games when they were in a losing season, he never gave up. His favorite saying was "this is gonna be the year!" More than anything, Brian loved watching his children compete in any sport or event they were involved in. He and his family loved being outdoors together, whether in a boat or a tree stand.

Brian will be desperately missed by those left to cherish his memory. This includes his wife, Cortney; children, James and Presley, who are still at home; mother, Roberta Johnson; mother and father-in-law, LuAna and Lowell Felger; sisters, Julie (Rod) Derrer, Lori (Steve) Frakes and Kim (Rob) Schroeder; eighteen nieces and nephews; and fourteen great nieces and nephews.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, Jim; brother, Brad; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.wheelanpressly.com.