Robert Fred Johnson Jr., 63, of Benedict, passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, after a six-year battle with ALS.
Robert was born Sept. 26, 1961, in National City, Calif, to Robert Fred Johnson Sr. and Darlene Beverly (Frey) Johnson. He was a beloved son, husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother and friend.
He is survived by his mother, Darlene; devoted wife, Lynn; daughter Ashley, and son-in-law Cullen; stepdaughter Amy; sister Debra, and brother-in-law David; grandchildren Kody, Kasey, Heather, Hunter, Rileigh, Teagan and Dallas; great-grandchildren Gage, Korbyn, Brayden, Alaya and Liam; his loyal dog, Chloe; as well as many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Robert Sr.; his maternal and paternal grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.
Because Robert Sr. served in the Navy, Robert Jr. spent much of his early years traveling with his family. In 1980, he graduated from high school in Cuba and, in 1982, returned to Laporte. Shortly after moving back, he was blessed with his first and only daughter, Ashley, in 1985.
Years later, while working at Arrowhead Glass, Robert met the love of his life, Lynn. They married in 1995 and soon after started AJ Glass. Robert retired from the business in 2020 following his ALS diagnosis.
Robert lived a full and adventurous life. He was passionate, hardworking, loving and admirably stubborn. His greatest joy beyond his family was the outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, trapping, shooting, swimming and countless other activities. Some of his fondest memories included scuba diving and treasure hunting, elk hunting in Colorado and bow hunting in the Laporte area with his father. He especially loved sharing his passion for the outdoors with his daughter, Ashley, who meant everything to him. He cherished ice and open water fishing trips with his cousins Tim and Curt, and he never missed a chance to take his dogs to the river to fetch and swim.
Even as his health declined, Robert continued to hunt, completing his final deer season in 2023, when he proudly spent every day in the stand with his daughter.
Robert will be remembered for his quiet strength, sharp sense of humor, generosity, devotion to family and the deep love he gave to those around him.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at the ALS clinic in Duluth, and Makena Huewe and Richard Taatjes for their kindness and care of Robert.
Per Robert's request, there will be no formal service. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. The family asks that any cards or donations be directed to Ashley Navratil, 33304 State 200, Laporte, MN 56461.
Robert's care has been entrusted to the Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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