Obituary of Robert L. Johnson

Robert L. Johnson passed away Saturday, January 21st, 2023 at the age of 92, while in recovery from a broken hip. He was preceded in death by his parents Ludwig and Hazel Johnson; his wife Carol Johnson; brothers Raymond Johnson and Duane Johnson, and daughter Christie Lynn Johnson.

Bob was born March 25th, 1930 in Sioux Falls, SD to Ludwig and Hazel (Kook) Johnson. He grew up in Colton, SD and attended South Dakota State University, where he received his B.S. and M.S. in Education. It was there that Bob met his college roommate’s sister, Carol Utoft. Bob and Carol were married August 17th, 1952 in McIntosh, SD. After Bob’s service in the Army, they moved to Gregory, SD where Bob was Sr. High principal and Carol taught at the public school. Bob and Carol also lived in Lake Benton, MN and Rapid City, SD before moving to St. James, MN in 1969. It was there that Bob served as principal of St. James Jr. High School, St. James Middle School, and St James Sr. High School, and remained a strong advocate of public education his entire life. Bob moved to Plymouth, MN in 2018 to live near family, following Carol’s death in 2017.

Bob was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved to fish, hunt, and garden (tomatoes were his specialty!). Bob always enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and we will miss him very much. He is survived by his sons Greg Johnson of Minneapolis, Brian (Kari) Johnson of Plymouth; grandchildren Nathan Johnson of Plymouth, Evan (Elizabeth) Johnson of Hopkins; great-grandchildren Neil Johnson and Bennett Johnson; sister LuAnne (Jim) Gjerset, of Georgetown, TX; and many nephews, nieces, friends, and former students who thought the world of Bob.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Bob on Saturday, March 25th (which would have been his 93rd birthday). Visitation 1:00-2:00pm, Celebration of Life 2:00-3:00pm. It will be held at Sturm Funeral Home, 906 10th Ave S, St James, MN 56801 (www.sturmfh.com). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bob’s name to MN-Fish or St Jude Children’s Hospital, or plant a tree!