Robert Eugene Johnson

ROBERT “BOB” EUGENE JOHNSON, age 85 of Waseca, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, at Lakeshore Rehabilitation Center with his wife of 61 years, Gwen, by his side.

Bob was born April 15, 1939, to Lester and Beulah (Schaumkessel) Johnson at Waseca Memorial Hospital. He was baptized at Pontoppitan Lutheran Church in Lemond and confirmed at First Congregational Church in Waseca. He graduated from Waseca High School where he was a four-sport athlete and later inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. He attended University of MN and Mankato State University. He served in the U.S. Army for two years. He married Gwen Pratt on July 6, 1963, at North Waseca Lutheran Church.

During his years of employment, he worked for both Waseca lumber yards, was self-employed with Johnson Painting, owned Waseca Decorating Center with his wife, worked at Waseca Public Schools, was a volunteer fireman for 17 years, and Fire Chief for 17 years.

In his retirement years he enjoyed working for Crystal Valley Co-Op in Elysian, Ag Partners in Morristown, and was a driver for the V.A.

Local organizations he was active in were the Lion’s Club, Rotary, Bluejay Booster Club, and founding member of the Waseca Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was also a founding father of Christ the King Lutheran Church where he served as Treasurer, Council Member, and Head Usher.

Bob’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, biking, traveling, and cheering on his favorite teams, the Twins and the Vikings.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Gwen (Pratt) Johnson; his daughter Jodi (Dan) Kuball of Rochester; grandsons Noah Kuball and Evan Kuball of Rochester; sisters Janice Johnson of Roseville and Sharon Brogan of Rochester; sisters-in-law Eunice Vail of Waterville and Ramona Wilkening of Janesville; nephews Lyle (Anne) Vail of Australia, Alan Hill of Crystal, Craig (Silvia) Wilkening of Colorado, Nathan (Rita) Wilkening of Janesville, Chris (Amy) Brogan of Pine Island, and Brad Brogan of Mankato; nieces Valerie Vail of Waterville, Kay (Michael) Carda of Lakeville, and Lora (Todd) Isackson of Owatonna; and several great-nephews and great-nieces.

In lieu of flowers Bob would like memorials to go to the Mission Fund at Christ the King Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be Friday, February 14, 2025 from 5-7 PM at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service, 109 3rd St NE, Waseca, MN, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 11 AM at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 309 6th St NE, Waseca, MN, 56093. Following the service, Bob will be laid to rest at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.