Robert “Bob” Carl Johnson, age 77, of 1518 Montana Avenue, Gladstone; died Sunday morning October 21, 2007, at the St. Francis Hospital following a brief battle with cancer.
Bob was born April 18, 1930, in Foster City, MI, the son of Rudolph and Aina (Kling) Johnson. He was raised in Foster City and attended and graduated from the Felch High School, class of 1947. After high school, Bob played for the Chicago Cubs professional baseball team before being drafted into the United States Army where he served two years during the Korean War Conflict. Following his years in the service, Bob continued his education at Michigan State University, receiving his bachelor degree and teaching certificate in history and social studies. On July 10, 1954, Bob married the former Margaret “Peg” Smith, in Stambaugh, MI, and together the couple made their home and began their family in Nahma. Bob taught school for three years in Nahma before moving to Chatham where he accepted a position and taught for the next twelve years at the Eben High School. In 1972, Bob and Peg relocated to Gladstone where Bob taught and retired from the Gladstone High School. Bob was a long time member of the First Lutheran Church, former member of the Masonic Lodge #396 F&AM, Gladstone Swedish Club, Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel, lifetime member of the Ikkala Brothers VFW in Chatham and member of the Gladstone Senior Center. Bob enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, sports and woodworking. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.
In addition to his loving wife Peg, Bob is survived by:
2 Sons: Wayne Johnson of Gladstone, MI; Russell (Jodie) Johnson of Gulliver, MI
2 Brothers: Roger (Kay) Johnson of Crescent City, FL; Roy (Phyllis) Johnson of Manistique, MI
1 Sister: Ruth (Roger) Solberg of Ishpeming, MI
1 Aunt: Lucille Kling of Foster City, MI
7 Grandchildren: Jeremy; Heidi (Andy); James (Brandy); Jonas; Rob; Derreck; and Stephanie
3 Great Grandchildren: Caleb; Quinton; and Nathan
Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Aina.
The Johnson family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2:00PM to 5:00PM at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Services celebrating the life of Robert “Bob” Carl Johnson will follow visitation, at 5:00PM, at the First Lutheran Church with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt officiating. Luncheon will follow in the First Lutheran Fellowship Hall.
Anonymous
Peggy, Wayne and Russell,
I remember Bob as a wonderful man and teacher, who helped many of us through those awkward middle school years. I remember how sad it was for us to see him and his family move to Gladstone, and it is not often that middle schoolers say they are going to miss a teacher! The few times I had seen him since was always a pleasure. Such good memories you must have. My sincere condolences to all of you.
Tammy Shega
Chatham, MI
Mr. Johnson was my 7th grade teacher and he was a lot of fun. I remember our fishing contest for the largest fish that year. My cousin Peter and I were pulling suckers out of the Slapneck Creek for days. He also let us play kickball in PE which was my favorite game. I really enjoyed that year with him as my teacher.
Julie Maki
Yakima, WA
Bob Johnson was a wonderful teacher and supporter of the Gladstone youth. I remember much of my Michigan History that I learned from him and will always remember his lesson on the trade negotiaton where Michigan ended up with the UP and Ohio received the Toledo area! His support at our Gladstone High games and his friendly greeting at church was always appreciated and I’m lucky to have had Bob Johnson in my life as a teacher! My thoughts are with the Johnson family.
Brian Movalson
San Carlos, CA
My condolences to the Johnson family on the loss of a wonderful man. Mr. Johnson was one of the best and one of my favorite teachers. The knowledge he shared has stayed with me all my life. He made learning interesting AND fun.
Thanks to the Johnson family for sharing him with us.
Brian Peterson
VAlley Village, CA
Mrs Johnson(Peg) Wayne and Russ;
While in Ohio I was sad to see the passing of your father. Although I hadn’t spoken to him or your family members in quite some time; he always was very receptive of any friend of Wayne’s and I respected that above all else…being treated as an equal…and feeling welcome in your home. Although I was then only a teen, I knew him as a friendly cordial man as did many others, and I sincerely offer you my deepest condolences.
Richard Murchie
Amberg, WI
Johnson Family,
It is with great sadness that we hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Peggy, Wayne, Russ, and your families.
Dennis & Kathy Norkooli
Alma, MI
Mr. Johnson was one of my favorite teachers at GHS. He will be sadly missed. Bless you and your families. Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time.
Ginger Bayne
Hudsonville, MI
I had Bob for a teacher in the early 60’s I graduated in 1965. I was very fond of Bob, he had such a good sense of humor. I know you will miss this good man.
God Bless you all.
Joe Lancour
Munising, MI
Wayne & family,
Extending sincere sympathy to you for the loss of your Dad.
Cheryl (Kalishek) Bernard
DeTour Vlg., MI
Dear Peggy, Wayne, Russ and families,
Know that our heartfelt thoughts are with you during this time of Bob’s passing; we know that he will be missed beyond measure. He was a wonderful man. When I think of role models in my life, both Peg and Bob stand out as some of the best. I learned so much from them and truly enjoyed the times when we all “lived next door.” Lots of memories and they bring on many smiles. May God’s love shine upon you all at this time and know that Heaven’s Gates have opened for a very special man.
Love,
Norma and Pete Scovill
Wenatchee, WA
Sorry to hear about your loss of robert, I gratuated in 1970 from Eben and remember bob and peg and totally respected both of you, and have tought of you, I live in Milwaukee wi. and officiate sports here, again sorry about the loss of Bob
Bill Rinnemaki
Saint Francis, WI
I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the entire Johnson Family. Mr. Johnson was my teacher at the Old Gladstone Middle School. He helped me when I was struggling with my lessons and always had time for my numerous questions. Mr. Johnson was a very good teacher and a great story teller; I still remember how he scared us with his Halloween story. I will miss him.
Greta Berg
Ishpeming, MI
I have many positive memories of my middle school days with Mr. Johnson. He taught us to be disciplined, but also showed us his good sense of humor. Great guy. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Andy Wiltzius
Kingsford, MI
We were sad to hear of Bob”s passing. He was a good man and I will always remember the fun time we had growing up with his children and spending time with his family. Our best regards to his wife Peggy and to his sons Wayne and Russell.
Mark and Jean Luoma
Munising, MI
Our condolences to the family. I consider it an honor to have known and worked with Bob. One could always count on a wry smile and a good sense of humor from Bob to make a dark day bright.
An old Chinese Proverb says, “The best way to spend your life is for something that will outlast it.” Bob did that as he and Peg raised a wonderful family.
Also he left his mark on a generation of students in Nahma, Eben and Gladstone. They will carry Bob with them forever.
Roger and Pat Finlan
Hudsonville, MI
Dear Peg, Russ and Wayne and extended families:
Our community will miss the presence of Bob at many of our sporting events. For years he was at every basketball, football, baseball game and wrestling match. He surely had alot of community pride–it was always a pleasure to greet him at whatever event. We should all live by Bob’s example. Both Phil and I were glad that we met Bob through your best friends and neighbor-Maurcie and Helen Buchmiller. Just got to talk to him a week ago at the BP Station in Gladstone on Sunday while sitting with Bill and Bonnie Buchmiller having breakfast, he always picked up the Sunday paper. He was a terrific man. Take all the memories with you to help you in those difficult times. You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Phil and Virginia Petersen
Gladstone, MI
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Johnson Family. Bob was always fun to be around and will be missed, especially at Camp. He was a big part of the Lammi Family and we are all fortunate to have known him and have him as a friend.
Bob, Kay, Matt & Ryan Lammi
Mason, OH