Robert "Bob" L Johnson

Robert “Bob” L. Johnson, 87, of Rockford, went home to be his Lord on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. He was born on November 28, 1936, in Rockford, the son of Eskil and Ruby Johnson. Bob graduated from East High School in 1954 where he met his loving wife, Marlene (Oberg) Johnson. They married on December 21, 1957, in Rockford and recently celebrated their 66th anniversary. After officially retiring from Hydro-Line, he was a founding partner of Rockford Linear Actuation, Inc. along with Bob Trojan and Sue Harnish where he joyfully worked until his passing.

Since 1941, Bob spent his summers at the family cabin on Lake Ripley in Cambridge, WI. Bob and Marlene continued to spend their summers at the lake with their own family. He shared his love of water skiing throughout the years, teaching many how to ski and barefoot water ski. If someone needed a boat driver, Bob was willing and able! Bob cherished his many friends and neighbors in Cambridge. He and Marlene were members of the Lake Ripley Country Club.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene; his daughters, Lory (Dave) Odling and Carla (Jeff) Hopler; his grandchildren, Austin (fiancé, Sarah Eddy) Odling, Lauren (Eddie) Latimer, and Tristin Hopler; his great grandchildren, Kiley and Carson Latimer; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Raelene Johnson; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Lou and Jim Widstrom; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Elaine and Gerald McClellan.

Services will be held at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family. Please express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s name can be sent to Rockford Christian School 1401 N. Bell School Rd Rockford, IL 61107, or Stateline Church 601 N. Perryville. Rd Rockford, IL 61107.