Robert “Bob” L. Johnson

In accordance with Bob’s wishes, he chose cremation and no formal funeral service. His daughters will honor him with an intimate gathering at a later date in Marshall, MN. A portion of his ashes will be laid to rest at Marshall Cemetery in Marshall, next to his beloved wife. His remaining ashes will be scattered in locations that were meaningful to Bob, Marlene, Heather, and Marissa.

Robert “Bob” LeRoy Johnson was born on April 22, 1938, in Jasper, MN, to Lester and Hildur (Kellgren) Johnson, the youngest of four children. He was baptized and confirmed at Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church and graduated from Jasper High School, Class of 1956. Following graduation, he remained active on the family farm while attending Nettleton Commercial College and Augustana College before enlisting in the military.

In 1960, he joined the United States Air Force, attending basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He later returned to Sioux Falls, where he served in the South Dakota Air National Guard while continuing to farm with his family. During his time in the guard, he learned to fly a T-33 trainer jet and was honorably discharged in 1966.

In 1978, Bob met the love of his life, Marlene Weets, at the Glass House in Ihlen, MN. They were united in marriage on September 21, 1983, in Las Vegas, NV. After their marriage, they resided in Sioux Falls, SD; Pipestone, Moorhead, and Balaton, MN, before making their final home in Marshall, MN, where they raised their two daughters, Heather and Marissa.

Bob farmed in Pipestone County for 44 years and also worked in the trucking industry for 5 years, along with holding various other jobs throughout his life in construction, hospitality, and maintenance. In later years, he devoted himself to being a stay-at-home parent, raising his daughters with steady care and dedication.

In his later years, Bob enjoyed simple, quiet routines, including daily trips to the Marshall-Lyon County Library and Market Grille at Hy-Vee. He also regularly visited the YMCA and the cafeteria at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. He had a gift for conversation and could make friends anywhere he went. He was known for his consistency, his dependable presence, and his deep commitment to his family.

Bob enjoyed Western and military shows, reminiscing about the “good ol’ days,” NASCAR, oldies music, farming, and animals. He loved telling his wife and daughters stories about his childhood, life on the farm, and his parents and siblings. He lovingly called his daughters Myrtle and Lulu–so it’s a good thing his wife was the one who named them. He enjoyed teasing his daughters and had a playful sense of humor, reminding them each Christmas that it was going to be a “Selmer Christmas,” a long-running family joke that came from a Christmas where his cousin, Selmer, once went without receiving a gift.

Bob wasn’t tech-savvy in the slightest–so don’t even try explaining how a computer worked or how to text–but ask him about a car and he lit up, able to tell you anything you wanted to know. He loved his old cars, including his 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air; 1960 and 1965 Pontiac Catalina; 1967 Pontiac Bonneville; 1976 Pontiac Trans Am; and 1977 Ford Thunderbird.

Bob will be remembered for his witty remarks and sarcasm, his ability to talk to anyone and everyone, and the deep love he had for his family.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Heather (Johnson) Griffin and her husband, John, of Lubbock, TX, and Marissa (Johnson) Breyfogle and her husband, Matthew, of Sioux Falls, SD; his grandchildren, Gavin, Lilah, and Avery; and grandpuppies, Tucker and Oliver.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene (Weets) Johnson; his parents, Lester and Hildur (Kellgren) Johnson; his siblings, Lester Johnson Jr., Doris (Johnson) Laackmann, and Donald Johnson; his family’s beloved dog, Casper; his grandpuppies, Vinnie and Jasper; and many other beloved pets he cared for throughout his lifetime, especially Goldie the Golden Retriever.