Robert Johnson

ROBERT CHARLES JOHNSON, 83 ROCKFORD - Robert Charles Johnson, 83, of Rockford passed away Monday, May 30, 2011, in OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, with his loving family by his side. Born Dec. 25, 1927, in Rockford; the son of John and Mary Johnson. Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during World War II and was involved in the Battle of Midway. After returning to Rockford, he married his longtime sweetheart, Willa Jean Anderson, on Valentine's Day 1948. Bob had begun his painting career and soon became one of the hardest working and respected craftsmen in the area. He was a past president of PDCA Painters Local 607 and was part-owner of Adamson Johnson Paint Co., in the early 1970s. Wanting to get back to what he loved best, he and his son, Rich, began the Robert C. Johnson & Son Painting business. Bob was a loyal friend, a mentor and a wonderful family man. He had wonderful working relationships with some of his clients and many became his good friends. In 1974, Bob and Jean purchased a lake home in Lake Mills, Wis., and he loved to be up there working in the yard or just puttering around enjoying life. He was up working in the shed just a week ago. He was known for his zest for life, great stories, and contagious laughter. Bob was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. He came into this world on Christmas Day and left us on Memorial Day, a day we will always remember. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Willa Jean; son, Richard (Carol) Johnson; daughter, Janis Garland of Rockford; grandchildren, Jeff (Maureen) Johnson; Amy (Rick) Durso and Lisa (Philippe) Masseron; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Kaiya and Victoria, all of Rockford; brothers, Paul (Beverly), Donald; sister, Pauline (Ralph) Docker; and numerous nieces. Predeceased by parents; grandson, Gregory; and sister-in-law, Darlene. Thank you to the kind and caring staff at Van Matre Rehab who took such wonderful care of Bob during his numerous stays. Service at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., with visitation from 12 to 12:45 p.m.; the Rev. Dean Parker will officiate. Private family burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family who will be honoring Bob at Van Matre. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.