Robert M. 'Bob' Johnson

Robert M. Johnson, 90, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2011, at his residence, with his family by his side. He was born in Racine on March 26, 1921, son of the late Edgar and Marie (Nee: Friedrich) Johnson.

Bob proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the US Marines during WWII. On June 24, 1944, he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Venne. He was self-employed in oil burner service for 20 years and by W.H. Pugh Oil Co. for 20 years until his retirement in 1978. Bob was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Preservation Racine. He was a collector and a local Racine historian. He enjoyed traveling, backpacking and camping, but above all spending time with his family, and was a dedicated caregiver for his wife, Mary Ellen.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Ellen; four children, Cecilia (Ray) Johnson, Catherine (James) Stanek, Edward (Pat Duffy) Johnson, Robert II (Locki) Johnson; nine grandchildren, Ellen (Rob) Busch, Karen (John) Patterson, Brian Johnson, Bradley (Kristi) Johnson, Terese (Mark) Pearson, Anne Johnson, Nicholas Johnson, Catherine Johnson, Michael (Thea) Johnson; five great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Caroline and Emily Busch, Aidan and Morgan Patterson; sister, Jean Ketarkus; sister-in-law, Margaret Johnson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he also was preceded in death by his brother, Daniel; and his brother-in-law, Joseph Ketarkus.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 9 , 2011, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., with Rev. Ronald O. Crewe and Rev. Thomas Venne concelebrating. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family in a celebration of his life at the visitation Thursday, September 8, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home and on Friday from 10:30 until time of Mass at the church. Private interment will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, town of Dover. Memorials to Lincoln Lutheran Community Services, or to the Racine Heritage Museum have been suggested by the family.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to those who provided excellent care and the visitors whose company Bob enjoyed so much.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888