In Loving Memory of Robert Charles Johnson

July 5, 1934 – June 13, 2025

Robert Charles Johnson, lovingly known as “Bob,” was born on July 5 1934 in Esko, Minnesota, and passed away peacefully at his home on June 13, 2025, at the age of 90 years and 11 months. He was surrounded by the love and support of his devoted family as he went to his eternal home.

Bob was the beloved son of Charles E. and Sylvia (Hill) Johnson. A kind-hearted, easygoing man with a warm sense of humor, Bob left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 61 years, Janet (Reed) Johnson, and their children: Steven (Lynne) Johnson, Brian (Julie) Johnson, John (Robin) Johnson, and Lori (Todd) Strand.

Bob was a proud grandfather to Charles (Amanda) Johnson, Matthew (Tanner) Johnson, Olivia Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Zachary Johnson, Emma (Nick) Johnson, Cole Strand, Noah (Hannah) Strand, and Isaac (Laura) Strand. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Ann (Kali) Lipponen and June (David) Guckenberg, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Donald (Joan) Johnson.

After graduating from Esko High School, Bob pursued a career as an electrician, attending Salter Technical School. He became a master electrician and worked for 25 years with Johanson Electric in Cloquet, later working with various electrical contractors in the Duluth area. A dedicated member of IBEW Local 242, Bob was proud to be part of the union for 67 years.

Beyond his work, Bob cherished the outdoors—gardening, splitting wood, and especially spending time at the family’s beloved hunting shack affectionately called “Woodtick Inn.” After retirement, he frequently visited there with his loyal Siberian Husky, Kodi, enjoying walks and four-wheeling through the woods. He was also an avid deer hunter.

Bob found great joy in monthly lunches with the IBEW 242 Retirees and his Esko High School classmates. He was a former member of Esko Seniors and, in later years, found support and friendship through the DayBreak Program in Carlton and the Memory Café.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care during Bob’s final days.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 21st, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1705 Wilson Avenue, Cloquet, Minnesota. Visitation begins at 3:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 4:00 p.m. Bob will be inurned at the Apostolic Lutheran Church Cemetery in Esko. Arrangements entrusted to Cremation Society of MN - Duluth.