ROBERT JOHNSON

Robert C. Johnson, age 95, died on February 13, 2023 at Prairie Homes, House of Faith in Menasha. Bob was born on April 3, 1927, the 9^th of 14 children born to the late Birdell and Bessie (Mathison) Johnson, town of Clayton.  Bob graduated from Neenah High School in 1945 and later enlisted in the Army where he was stationed in Germany from 1951-1953.  On his return he was employed at George Banta Co. for 35 ½ years.  Upon retirement Bob moved to Englewood, Florida and spent 24 years there, returning to Wisconsin for summers before moving back to Appleton full time in 2018.

Bob was a proud, lifelong Democrat and served on the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors for the Towns of Clayton and Vinland for 14 years from 1968-1982 where he served on the Highway Commission.  His proudest accomplishment was helping get the Roland Kampo Memorial Bridge built for the Tri -County Expressway. He also served as past President of the Winchester Area  Historical Society, was active in the Sons of Norway branches in Appleton and in Florida, and served on many boards at his home church of Grace Lutheran in Winchester and then Hope Lutheran in Port Charlotte, FL.

Bob was very involved in working on the genealogy of both of his parents.  He learned the Norwegian art of Rosemaling and on retirement created many pieces that he gave away to family and friends.  He enjoyed travel and visited all 48 lower states as well as traveling to other countries and especially enjoyed Norway where he visited the original family farm.

Robert “Pa” is survived by his four children – Marlene (Roger) Marks, Neenah; Mark Johnson, Larsen; Marvin Johnson, Neenah; and Mary Johnson (Rob Jackson) of Rotonda West, Florida; two grandsons – Andrew Marks, Fort Collins, CO and Nathaniel “Bud” (Julie) Marks of Hartville, Ohio; two great-grandsons, River and Beckett Marks.  He is further survived by his fiancée Barbara Abhold and her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were all wonderful to him.  In addition, he is survived by two sisters – Marilyn Pagel and Nancy Wunderlich and one sister-in-law, Helen Johnson along with many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings  Virginia (Bob) Roussin, Eileen Pietrowski, Carol (Norman) Mueller; June (Ray) Sannes; Marjorie (Fritz) Moehring, Warren (Peachie) Johnson, Emery (Marie) Johnson, Gordon (Beatrice) Johnson, Kenneth (Doris) Johnson, Darold Johnson and Ronald Johnson, and brothers-in-law Robert Pagel and James Wunderlich.

The funeral service for Bob will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 8396 Steeple Hill Dr., Winchester at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 21 with Pastors Mark Laatsch and Kalen Barkholtz officiating.  Visitation will be held at church before the service from 9:30-11:00 AM.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Winchester Historical Society, Grace Lutheran Church, or to Norse Valley Lodge 5-491 for scholarships in Bob's name.

Thank you to Aaron and all the girls on staff at Prairie Homes – House of Faith for your care of Pa these last three years, and to the Theda Care Hospice team for their care and compassion this past year.

Pa, we love you and will miss you!