Robert "Bob" Johnson

Robert John Johnson, 61, Bismarck, died on November 16, 2016 at Sanford Health St. Vincent's Continuing Care Center, Bismarck. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 21, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 1143 N. 26th St., Bismarck, with Rev. Nadine Lehr officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Cremation has taken place. Bob was born on August 21, 1955, in Oak Park, IL, the son of Robert Joseph and Jean Mae (White) Johnson. Bob was raised in the Chicago suburbs, graduating in 1973 from West Chicago Community High School, West Chicago, IL. Bob was an avid hockey player while in high school. He attended Rick’s College in Rexburg, ID, and College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL. As a teenager, Bob spent summers working at his cousin’s farm near Enderlin, ND, where he was referred to as the “Chicago Flash“ and the city kid who wrecked equipment on the Lund farm! It was there that he met the love of his life, Rose Anderson. Much later in life they married and had one daughter, Alexandra. Bob’s early career was spent working in the insurance industry in Chicago. He moved to Bismarck in 1985 and continued his career in sales. Bob was employed as a territory sales manager with Philip Morris for 18 years. He was a well-respected realtor for 11 years and was very active in the Bismarck Mandan Board of Realtors, serving as their president in 2014. His most rewarding work was the time he spent working at Heartview Foundation as an employee and volunteer. It was there that he had the opportunity to make a positive impact on so many lives. Bob was a lifelong Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed attending many professional sports events. He loved the game of golf and was looking forward to years of retirement golfing, walking the beaches of Florida, and spending time with family. He had many interests, was involved in volunteer work, and truly enjoyed life. A devoted husband and wonderful father, Bob was a true family man. He had a very close relationship with his daughter, Alex. They shared many of the same interests, especially their love for music and concerts. He enjoyed spoiling her and making special memories with her. She lovingly referred to her dad as “the fun one” and the best dad anyone could ever have. His engaging personality, contagious smile, laugh, and quick wit will be remembered by all who knew him. He had the rare gift of connecting with people of all ages, all walks of life. His charm, warm heart and respect of others endeared him to many. He leaves behind countless individuals who consider him a true and loyal friend. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Rosemary; his daughter, Alexandra; his sisters Donna (John) Naylor, Venice, FL, Ruth (Kelly) Jarvis, Heber City, UT; his brother, Joseph (Kathy) Johnson, Glen Ellyn, IL; sister-in-law, Ruthann (Jim) Zielsdorf, Beach, ND; brother-in-law, Joel Peterson, Venice, FL; 10 nieces; 8 nephews; 13 great nieces; 11 great nephews; two aunts, numerous cousins; and many dear friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, R.J. and Jean Johnson; his sister Debbie Peterson; niece, Lindsay Peterson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Howard and Rodny Anderson.