OREGON – Robert I. Johnson, age 87, passed away in his home on Jan. 17, 2022 in Oregon. Robert was born on Dec. 13, 1934 in Dixo; the son of Harold I. & andHelen (Rippberger) Johnson.
He graduated from Oregon High School Class of 1952, and he attended DePauw University. He served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958. Robert married Kathleen A. Swan on July 6, 1957 in Mt. Morris. obert worked as an Insurance and Real Estate Broker retiring on Feb. 28, 1986.
Robert was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oregon, and he was also a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Robert loved to fish in Northern Wisconsin and Canada. Robert enjoyed many years of traveling with Kathy. Bob’s favorite destination was “up to the lake” whether he was sitting on the shore of Lac Vieux Desert enjoying the view or out on the boat always catching more fish than anyone else, Bob was in his happy place. Bob’s yard was his pride and joy, he spent many hours keeping it perfect. Bob and Kathy enjoyed this perfection as they spent hours on their back deck playing 26. He also loved to golf where in 1965 he played an exhibition golf match with Jack Nicklaus sponsored by Smith Oil Company at the Dixon Country Club. He also in 2005 was in the 1st year group inducted into the Lincoln Highway Golf Hall of Fame. He was 16 times Oregon Golf Club Champion and he had 11 holes in one, most importantly he passed on his love for golf to his family. Robert’s number one priority was still the time with his family.
Family was No. 1 for Bob, his final words of wisdom was for each of the family members to follow his lead and “live a good life.”
Robert is survived by his wife: Kathleen Johnson, Oregon; children: Richard (Laurie) Johnson, Phelps, Wis., Michael D. Johnson, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Cynthia (Tim) Baade, Roscoe; 4 grandchildren: Eric Baade, Meghan Baade, Matthew Baade, and Rebecca (Casey Mauth) Johnson.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents; brother: David Johnson.
Cremation rites have been accorded with Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to be determined.
