Robert "Bob" Johnson '46
July 5, 2018 3:14 PM
updated: July 5, 2018 3:17 PM
Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel obituary
Peoria, IL
309-688-5700
Robert Dean Johnson
FEBRUARY 26, 1924 – JUNE 15, 2018
Robert Dean Johnson, 94, passed away on June 15, 2018, at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria. Born February 26, 1924 in Council Bluffs, IA, he was the son of Theron and Elsie (Richardson) Johnson. They moved to Ottawa, KS in 1931. After graduating from Ottawa
High School, Robert went to Texas A&M in College Station, TX, to get his degree in mechanical engineering. WWII interrupted his college career, and he served in the 103rd Inf. Div., 411th Reg., 2nd Bn., F Co., the “Thorn in Hitler’s Axis”. He was first scout,
then radio operator in the European Theater of Operations. Among other ribbons and medals he received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He married Loraine Gleason in 1946, and finished his degree at Texas A&M. After working for Alllis-Chambers in Cedar Rapids,
IA for many years, Robert moved his family to Peoria in 1964, to work for Caterpillar Inc., where he held various engineering management positions until his retirement on March 1, 1989. Quick with a smile and a joke, he thoroughly enjoyed life. He was a member
of SAE, the Shriners and VFW Post 814. He also loved being a boy scout, and then a leader. Most of all, he was devoted to his wife, Loraine, for 71 years, and to his children. He loved traveling, entertaining family, friends and neighbors, music and dancing
(especially cheek to cheek ”belly-rubbing” music with Loraine), and listening to her sing. He is survived by his children, Kathy (Mike) Joop, Kregg (Connie) Johnson, and Karin (Ron) Knickerbocker, special family friend, Julie Custer, six grandchildren and
twelve great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Loraine, and his son, Kim. A funeral will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018, 11:00am at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to
Wounded Warriors.
FAMILY
Theron Johnson, Father
Elsie (Richardson) Johnson, Mother
Loraine Gleason, Wife
Kathy (Mike) Joop, Daughter
Kregg (Connie) Johnson, Son
Karin (Ron) Knickerbocker, Daughter
Julie Custer, Special Family Friend
~ six, Grandchildren
~ twelve, Great-Grandchildren
Robert was also preceded in death by his son, Kim.
DONATIONS
Wounded Warriors
Services
Visitation Saturday, June 30, 2018
Funeral Service Saturday, June 30, 2018