Obituary of Robert Johnson

Robert V. Johnson "Bob" Age 88, called gently home on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at his home. Born April 28, 1925 to Walter L. and Olive B. Johnson in Horton, Kansas, moving to Oelwein, IA as a baby and growing up there. A proud member of the United States Marines, 6th Division, serving in the Pacific Theatre during W.W.II and Korea. He attended Upper Iowa University and N.I.U., earning both a Bachelor's and Master's of Science Degree in education. Bob taught in Evanston before accepting the position of principal of Sunny Hill Elementary in Carpentersville, IL in 1956, a school he helped build during summer construction. In 1964, he accepted a position in Joliet's District 86, serving as Principal of Reedswood-Rehn, Marycrest, Sheridan and Dirksen schools, retiring in 1986 with 33 years of service. Bob was active in the community, volunteering at Midewin Prairie and maintaining bike paths in the park district. He was an active member of International Toastmasters, achieving highest honors, and served on the Joliet Park District Golf Advisory Committee from 1994-1997. An avid sportsman, he loved the game of golf, playing well into his 80's, participating in numerous tournaments. He enjoyed his membership in the Medicare Swingers Golf Club. He also enjoyed running, biking and walking. He and friends formed a neighborhood "cultural and uplift society", meeting at Bob's home for games of pool and cards. He continued to host "pool nights" and played cards at the Cantigny Post VFW until recently, enjoying thoroughly the time with his friends. Bob was outgoing and made friends easily due to his positive attitude and cheerful nature. He believed in "passing on the good" and strove to encourage others in their endeavors. Bob gave so much to his family, encouraging and mentoring his children and grandchildren throughout his life, and they are grateful for the love and support he lavished on them. He was a man of substance and honor, whom one could point to with pride and will be deeply missed by family and friends. Bob is survived by his son, Stephen Johnson (Rich Harrison) of Arlington, VA; daughter, Anita (Ronald) Boe of Joliet; grandchildren, Michael (Olympia) Boe of Oak Forest, Nathan (Jessica) Boe of Winter Park, FL, Daniel Boe (Lea), Katherine Boe, both of Joliet and Colleen Boe of Ottawa, IL; proud great-grandfather of seven, Dane, Evan, Alec, Talyn, Autumn and Hunter Boe and Liviya Alaimo; also survived by a cousin, Clarice Pickering of Idaho and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service for Robert V. Johnson will be held on Sunday, December 1, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Private interment in Hinton, Oklahoma at a later date. Since Bob was a lifelong educator, in lieu of flowers, memorials to the Joliet Junior College Foundation, 1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet, IL 60431 would be appreciated. Visitation Sunday 12 Noon until time of services at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: (815) 741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com