Robert Allen “Bobby” Johnson, 69, of Crookston, MN, passed away unexpectedly early Saturday morning, June 11, 2022, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND with loving family comforting him.
Bobby was born in Crookston on January 11, 1953, the son of Charles and Mamie (Berg) Johnson. He attended Crookston schools and graduated from Central High as a member of the Class of 1971. Following high school, Bobby began working for the Dahlgren Seed Company. On August 25, 1973, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Joyce Anne Jacobs. Their life together began with a beautiful ceremony that took place in the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul, MN. In the coming years their union would be blessed by the births of son, Patrick, and daughter, Elizabeth, who were brought up in a very loving home. After leaving Dahlgren’s Bobby was employed at various businesses including Robertson Lumber, Northwest Lumber and Anderson Fabrics.
Much of Bobby’s working career was spent with the City of Crookston Street Department. Following his retirement, he joined Joyce as they together operated the Bridge Street Candle Company. Bobby also owned a carpentry and remodeling service. He was a past member of the Crookston Chamber of Commerce and the Polk County Historical Society. He enjoyed woodworking, reading, playing trivia, solving crosswords, and doing jigsaw puzzles. Bobby’s many other interests included candle-making, working in his yard, playing softball, and spending time with his beloved family dogs: Ruff, Blackjack, New Year, and Daisy over the course of their lifetimes.
Bobby loved Joyce and their family more than life itself. He worked constantly to provide for them and every job he took on he gave it his utmost. He valiantly battled serious illnesses that came his way, always determined to “walk it off.” He never complained, making the best of every new day. Bobby enjoyed the simple things in life that meant the most to him; spending time with family and fur babies, his home, and hard work. He believed in God and his plans for us that we don’t know about or understand. That belief made him forge ahead every day, doing what he could for others. Just visiting and laughing with Bobby, even for a short time, would help make your day a good one. He was humble regarding his own gifts and talents but was always proud of the accomplishments of his beloved family, while always taking time to cheer everyone on. By keeping busy and happy as a “people person” in Crookston Bobby leaves memories that will be forever cherished as he has changed his address to Heaven!
Bobby takes leave of Joyce, his beloved wife and best friend of over 48 years; their 2 children, Patrick (“PJ”) Johnson, of Olympia, WA, and Elizabeth (“Beth”) Rose of Crookston, MN; 7 precious grandchildren: Emily, Patrick, Steven, and Harper Rose, and Kaylee, Wyatt, and Lucy Johnson; his sister, Carol Chaffee of Crookston; 2 brothers and 3 sisters-in-law: Darrell and Peggy Johnson and James and Marlys Johnson of Crookston, and Mary Jane Williams of Tuskegee, AL; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Bobby is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mamie Johnson; brothers, Don and Carl Johnson; sisters, Sonja Tweeten and Linda Johnson; sister-in-law, Beverly Johnson; brother-in-law, Randy Chaffee; parents-in-law, Roman and Lucy Jacobs; sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Bob Tebbutt; and nephew, John Johnson. Treasured be Bobby’s memory.
Bobby Johnson’s life will be celebrated at a prayer service held at 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 24, 2022, at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston and led by Fr. David Super. Visitation with the family will be from 5-7:00p.m. The service will be live streamed by going to Bobby’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhosuke.com and clicking on the prompt to view. A private family graveside service will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Crookston, at a later date.
Online messages of condolence to Joyce, PJ, Beth, and family may be made at www.stenshoelhouske.com
