I am so fortunate to have known John for the two years that I did. He always knew how to put a smile on my face when he would come hang out in my office with me. We both loved rock music, and would jam out to some of our favorite songs together. I will never forget his contagious laugh, strong faith, and love for life. 

To Johnny’s Family,
I share with you the sadness and sorrow you feel today and also the joy and gladness that Johnny brought to all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. Whenever I was in Omaha visiting my daughter Ken and Lisa Mar, I would see Johnny and his dad at church and visit with them. I often sat with them in the fellowship hall. Today I see Johnny being welcomed into his heavenly home by Jesus there arms outstretched and both are smiling. My love and sympathy to all of you,
Joan Worthman Scottsbluff, Nebraska


I remember Johnny as always being sweet and upbeat.  He was excited to see you and had something funny or complimentary to say.  Because we lived far apart I didn't have a lot of interaction with him but remember all our visits as enjoyable.  He loved to make people smile.  I know my aunt and uncle were there to greet him and they are all celebrating their reunion in heaven.  

I had the pleasure of taking Johnny to the zoo a long time ago.   I assured Kristen and Kelly I was up for the task.  Boy! What a task!  We had a ball!!  I have yet to enjoy the zoo as much as I did that day.  Watching and learning through the eyes of a beautiful, bright, loving child is an experience I will forever cherish.   It only took me a week to recover.  Lol.  Rest in peace Johnny knowing you left this world a better place for having been in it. Love to you family.   "Aunt" Abby


My fondest memories of Johnny transcend most of the early touch points of life. I was blessed to be part of the circle of friends during Johnny's first year. Kellie and John, as young new parents, never once allowed Johnny's differences define him or them.  From early on, Little John taught us the important lesson of celebrating the joy of today though his smile and his ability to bring people together.   Little John always had the most adorable smile and an aura of pure love and light.  Years later,  I visited Kellie and Little John was not so little, but an older teen/young adult.  Naturally I was shocked at how much he had grown.  Little John was behaving exactly his age, a little bossy, a little "know-it-all" and Kellie did what mom's do in a loving tone, "Johnny, go to your room and stop trying to be a show-off."  He lovingly "mocked" his mom as he left us at the kitchen table to catch up at which point we both burst out laughing because I am sure everyone reading this knows Johnny could be very funny.   Once again, his smile made everyone smile with him. Kellie and I talked about the perils of raising teenagers wondering if our kids would ever make it out of the house on their own without "the mom's" dictating their lives. Johnny brought Kellie and I together as if we were never apart because that was one of his amazing gifts.  Fast forward to just a couple of years ago, and I met Kellie and John for a very short visit on one of my trips back to NE.  Johnny was living in a group home, working, living his own life and thriving in ways every parent hopes for their children.  Little John in the baby swing grew into adult John with the same smile.  Kellie and (Big) John, thank you for the humble honor of knowing your son.  I am so incredibly sorry for your loss as parents. Johnny was an incredible young man, an inspiring life teacher, his life moved mountains and he will always live in our hearts.  Carmen  Baker-Richardson

Love, love, love, Johnny and all of you, his family!  

Johnny was a lover of life.
1) Parties were his thing.  Not sure if it was the food or the people he liked more.  They were definitely both a requirement for him.
2) As Chris (Christine) and I were looking through pictures for his slide show I noticed there were no pictures of Johnny crying or looking upset.  However, I did see many, many pictures of pure joy on his face.  I want to be like Johnny when I grow up.  

Johnny loved his family.
1)   I know the Brandquist's are all about family and Johnny was no exception.  Weekends with his Aunt Christine were always something he looked forward to (she did too).   
2)  He loved family gatherings - again partly because of the food, but mostly because he gave and received so much love.  

Johnny loved Jesus.
1) He liked going to church, listening to Christian radio, and reading the Bible.  Most importantly though he was Christ-like in his actions towards others.  
2) "Jesus is the way" Johnny would say.  Knowing this gives me assurance of where Johnny is now.  

You couldn't help but love Johnny.  This is partly what makes it such a loss for us.  What a gain for him though - in the arms of Jesus.  You can be sure his grandparents in heaven were there with open arms too.  And in Johnny style, he likely greeted them with his joyful smile, warm hug, and unconditional love.  

Johnny, thank you for all the love!  

Paul's wife, Emma's mom (Deanne)  









John advocating for Disability Rights @ the State Capital !

I loved working with John, and spending time with him. He loved to laugh, and to make other people laugh. He might have a bad day, but he couldn't stand to see other people having a bad day. If I was in a sour mood, he'd respond to everything I said with, "Okay, Mr. Grumpy Pants," until I lightened up. He not only wanted happiness for himself; he wanted other people to be happy.
And he was determined to enjoy his life.
I miss him already.

John, Melissa and family - I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Peace be with all of you. 


What wonderful photos and memories of Johnny...  Love his smile!  Cheryl and I are praying for peace and comfort for the whole family.

Our prayers are with you all. I’ll always remember when you came to Michigan and he helped with making pancakes. Such a sweetheart ❤️❤️ 

My thoughts are prayers are with the family of this lovely young man, taken from us too soon. May you find peace in sharing loving memories.   

Kelly:  I am so sorry to learn of Johnny's passing.  I met Johnny way back in the day--probably in 92 or 93 when his grandmother was president of the Coalition board.  What touching memories.  I read all of them.  My prayers for you and the rest of his family and friends.
Donna Polk

Getting a phone call from Johnny always made my day a bit brighter. He was a fantastic person, and I will miss him greatly. 

Ever since Johnnie was just a little guy, he has always had a love for music. I used to babysit my cousin when he was young, and there was a time he got upset because the emotion of the song we were listening to. So I quickly changed it to another station, and landed on a salsa song. I said hey Johnnie it's the banana dance song, and we started dancing like the Chiquita banana lady and laughing. From then on he remembered me as Shannon Banana Dance.  Sadly I have not seen Johnnie for many years, as I live in Wyoming now, but he still remembered the fun he had with his cousin and our banana dance. I love you Johnnie, keep on dancing. Love your cousin Shannon (banana)

Johnny was the BEST!  He brightened my day every time I saw him.  Such a very kind young man.  Very sorry for  your loss. John Nattermann - retired administrator - Millard South High School.

My memory of John was that he was such a loving and caring young man with a huge sense of humor .  My fondest memories of John are that he always carried a hankie and the stories he told about his grandfather falling asleep watching movies and spilling his popcorn.
My heart is sad for all of you. My the Lord bring you comfort during (and after) this difficult time.  Love you all. 

I remember working with Johnny when he was a little boy.  My first experience working as a paraprofessional.  He was so energetic and kind.  I can still see his sweet little face.   🥰

John what's a ball of joy every time I was with him. My best memory of John I will never forget. I was working at his house and his manager was introducing me to him and I sat across the kitchen table. John was telling me about his day. And he brought up an incident that happened at his work. And with out missing a stride he goes. And she just got her like this and he slaps me in the face. Not hard at all. And I went ooo dang. He started apologizing. And I told him it's all good it was all in the story. And we went on with the night. Cracking jokes.

When Johnny was a baby, we visited him. We had a cook out at his grandpas where he ate his first ear of corn. Johnny was such a happy go lucky child and young man.  He loved people especially his family.  Just know now he is their guardian angel and protector. Always remember his smile and joyfulness. We will miss you Johnny, but we know you are now in the loving arms of your grandpa and grandma. To the family, my heart goes out to you. we will be thinking of you always and know we are just a phone call away. RIP Johnny. love you, Aunt Ann

There are not enough words to say to how wonderful Johnny was, he was such a wonderful soul who always made me smile. He always had something to say so you better pay attention or you’d hear about it . He always knew how to make you laugh . I remember around the first time I met Johnny , he was around 10 maybe and I was just a few years older. I was babysitting him and he wouldn’t take a bath and he pretty much made me chase him around the house. 
 Rest In Peace dear Johnny . 


Kellie, I am so very sorry for the loss of such a sweet soul!   Johnnie always had such nice words for everyone.    I will always remember “Hi, Aunt Julee!   I love you!”  

Johnnie, your smile, your laughter, and your love will be with me always!  
Aunt Julee

John always made it his mission to cheer up those around him, with a gift of making me laugh when most needed. I think about him alot and will more now than ever. Truly larger than life. One love

I only got the opportunity to spend time with John a handful of times in my life. What I remember was his happiness and heart. He was such a kind, loving and funny soul. I remember years ago when Christine brought him to NJ to visit and he was so excited to have visited DC and wear his Obama sunglasses. More recently we had gathered for a family event and John was so excited to order a beer and share with every single person at the table whether you wanted it or not. We ended the night with hugs and him telling me that I was his favorite, only to tell the same thing to the next 3 ladies he hugged. I will miss his happiness and the joy he brought. Sending love, prayers and hugs to my family. I love you all!! 

John and I went to the Wells Fargo Bank bank, on 96th and L street, as we did every week.  John would get so excited about going, because he knew that he would get to see Mya, his favorite Of the many girls that he would flirt with there. They were all crazy about John and everyone perked up when he walked in.  Hi John, all of the ladies would say in unison. On day they said nothing when he walked in. John looked disappointed as we approached the counter. Suddenly, Mya showed up with a big box of cupcakes. She and the other girls came out, gave John hugs, and told him happy birthday. John was so happy, that he actually ran back to my car! I could never get that guy to move that fast, not even with a Pepsi. I will be missed

OBITUARY

John Raymond Brandquist II

December 19, 1986 – June 5, 2020

Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home & Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park

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