Robert L. Johnson, 82, of Neenah, Wisconsin, received his Crown of Eternal Life on May 21, 2026.
Born November 9, 1943 to Wilmer & Ella (Fahje) Johnson, he was baptized in Graceville, Minnesota. As a young child, he moved to Morris, Minnesota and was later confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and graduated from Morris High School in 1961.
In December of 1961, he joined the United States Navy and was stationed on the USS Okanagan, Long Beach, California. His ship was part of the Cuban Missile Crisis and also served twice in Vietnam. The USS Okanagan was part of the first major wave of U.S. Marines landing in Vietnam. He received an honorable discharge in April of 1966. In September of 2025, he had the privilege of being part of the Old Glory Honor Flight with his daughter Mary Beth, a day he would never forget.
After his discharge, he returned to being a meat cutter, a trade he learned while in high school and continued for 50 years. The highlight of his career was owning Bob’s Lakeside Foods in Hortonville, WI. In retirement, he was a proud bridge tender on Oregon St. in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Bob’s faith was evident in his lifelong commitment to his Savior, and his fellowship with his church! His strong and steady faith was something that he instilled in his family. His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was immeasurable. He will be missed by all.
He was also a Master Voyager and District Commander for the Lutheran Boy Pioneers, taking young men to the Canadian Boundary Waters every summer.
He loved jigsaw puzzles and would spend hours working on them–1,000 pieces were the best! He also enjoyed a good round of golf.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Carol (Love); his daughter, Mary Beth (Robert); his son, Mark; grandchildren, Emily (Jake), Tyler (Alli); great-grandchildren, Annon, Anna Beth, Sayler, & Owen; niece, Shanna (Bob), and great-niece, Alexus (Erick); his siblings, Lois, Elaine, Chuck, and Karen; Sister-in-Laws Lesley and Karen; other nephews, nieces, and many dear friends.
Funeral service was held May 26, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Neenah. Military Honors were conducted by the Neenah-Menasha Funeral Honors Team. Burial will be at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, Neenah Lutheran School, or Fox Valley Lutheran High School. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to American Grand, especially to Joann and Melissa, and ThedaCare Hospice.