Robert Johnson

August 08, 1932 - February 19, 2025

Obituary

Madison - Robert E. "Bob" Johnson, age 92, of Madison, WI passed on to eternal life on February 19, 2025, at Home Again Senior Living in Waunakee. He was born on August 8, 1932, in Rockford, IL, the third of four children born to Julia (June) and John E. Johnson. He married the love of his life, Anna Marie Dahmen, on February 5, 1955, and together they celebrated 61 years of marriage before her passing on August 4, 2016.

The couple raised six children, Jacquelyn (Randy) Walker, Sherri (Michael) Stark, Paul (Leah) Johnson, Diane (Steven) Nelson, Darren (Bernadette) Johnson, and Wayne (Michele) Johnson along with 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grand children.

Bob served in the US Air Force from 1949-1953 as a bomber group radio operator stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After his discharge, he served a cabinetmaking apprenticeship and became a member of Carpenter's Local 314 in Madison. He worked as a cabinet maker/carpenter for 44 years before his retirement in 1995.

After retirement, Bob's hobbies included attending his grandchildren’s various events, woodworking, traveling overseas, playing cards, golfing and bowling.

Throughout his life, he had a way of speaking love without words, but through his hands. How beautiful are the hands that serve, that fix what's broken, that build something from nothing, that pull you in for a strong reassuring hug. His hands were a source of comfort, strength, and generosity - always ready to help, hold and heal. Though they are now at rest, the love he built, the lives he touched, and the selflessness he carried will remain forever in the hearts of those blessed to have known him.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Richard (Beth) Johnson, his sister, Marjorie (Norman) Larscheid, and numerous close relatives. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, his sister, Kathleen Wheeler, sister-in-law, Helen Hurtgen, brothers-in-law Dick Dahmen, Bob Dahmen, and Lewis Dahmen, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family wishes to thank the loving and caring staff at Home Again Senior Living in Waunakee for their wonderful care of “Grandpa.”

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to one of Bob’s favored charities: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Boys Town.

Bob’s services will be held at 11:00am at St. Dennis Parish, 505 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI 53714, on Saturday, March 22nd. A Visitation will take place at the church from 10:00am until the time of service. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park.

See Live Stream Link for the Funeral Mass. https://vimeo.com/event/4998132

To view and sign his guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

Events

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LB
Lucille M. Bavetz
Other • about 1 month ago
Lucille M. Bavetz planted 5 trees in memory of Robert "Bob" E. Johnson . - March 26, 2025
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Badger Honor Flight
Other • about 2 months ago
On behalf of the Badger Honor Flight Board and all our volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, the family of Robert Johnson. We are forever grateful for his service to our great country. What an honor it was for us to take him on his well-deserved trip of a lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
JJ
Jeff Johnson
Other • about 2 months ago
I have so many fond memories of uncle Bob. I am especially grateful for his hospitality and allowing us to stay with him when Diane's dad, Jack was undergoing cancer treatments in Madison. That is the type of person he was; caring about others, understanding and compassionate
LW
Lori Wandschneider
Other • about 2 months ago
It's with a heavy heart I say I'm so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great companion for dad when they were living together at Home Again. It's amazing how their lives were parallel in their last chapter of life. You lost your mother the same year I lost my mother. Our Dads celebrated their special birthday parties only one day apart. (Uncle Bob turned 90 and Dad turned 95) Now, we can share the mourning of our dads together. They both were promoted in less than a month of each other. Your dad always had a smile on his face and was friendly to everyone he saw. He and your mom raised an amazing family that continues to grow. I know there were plenty of greeters as he entered Heaven. He was a great guy from a great generation! God Bless him and your families! Love, Lori Wandschneider

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