Robert “Bob” James Johnson, age 75, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Jan. 20, 2021 after a courageous battle with Parkinson Disease.
A 1964 RHS graduate, Bob attended UW-Madison obtaining a BS in Psychology. He then was drafted into the Army. Upon his return, he completed a Master’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Labor Relations. He started his very successful career in labor relations working at Husco, Lenox, Appleton Paper, and Combined Locks, all in the Fox Valley area. He retired from Associated Bank in Green Bay in 2006, where he had been Vice President of HR since 1997.
Bob was a quiet, soft spoken man, but his wit and charm were very obvious to those who knew him best. He had the best one-line responses to any situation right up to the very end. Bob loved driving his Corvette on beautiful, scenic Northwoods roads. Don’t put it past him to have tested the premise that you can go from 0- 100 MPH in 10.2 seconds! Bob also loved playing cribbage, shooting pool (something he taught to many of his younger generation), watching the Milwaukee Brewers and attending Camp Randall stadium to do the “jump around” while watching his beloved Badgers. Bob was also a huge family man, hosting many holidays and the annual Labor Day get-together for his family. They meant the world to him, and the feeling was mutual. Bob was the royal flush to our poker game, the Mario Andretti to our Indy 500 and the Aaron Rodgers to our Green Bay Packers!
Bob was born to Jack and Lois Johnson of Rhinelander on Oct. 10, 1945. They were so proud of their youngest son. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Bruce Johnson of DeKalb, Ill., brother-in-law Richard “Dick” Verage, and nephew Scott Verage, both of Rhinelander area. He is survived by his sister Sue Verage, his sister-in-law Brenda Johnson, eight nieces and nephews and their families, along with his good friend Kay Bongers of Little Chute, Wis., cousins and many friends.
The Memorial Service for Bob Johnson took place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021 at Krueger Family Funeral Home, Tomahawk. Pastor Larry Mathein officiated. Visitation took place at the Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Masks and social distancing were required.
In lieu of flowers all donations will be given to the Parkinson’s foundation.
Krueger Family Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. You may view the full obituary and leave online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.