Robert J. 'Bob' Johnston - Dodge Center
DODGE CENTER — The funeral service for Robert "Bob" Joseph Johnston will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010, at the First Congregational Church, 12 2nd St. N.W., in Dodge Center, with the Rev. Jean Boese officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center.
Robert "Bob" Joseph Johnston, 86, died at Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center on Nov. 24, 2010.
Robert "Bob" Joseph Johnston was born on Aug. 29, 1924, the son of Vernon and Jeanette (McEathron) Johnston, in Hayfield.
Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1943, and was honorably discharged in April 1946. Bob served in the 4th Division (Ivy League) Infantry. He served in England, France, Germany, and Belgium. His most memorable battle was in the Hurtgen Forest. Bob was wounded two times and received a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. He also received the American Legion Silver Star.
When he returned from the war he met his soul mate, Jean Woodward. They were united in marriage on Oct. 2, 1946, in Dodge Center. On April 22, 1948, their son, David Robert, was born.
Bob and Jean farmed north of Dodge Center for many years. Then Bob worked for Donaldson Construction Company for the next nine years. His last employer before retirement was the Dodge County Highway Department. In his retirement he worked part-time for Lowell Olson for 10 years as a handyman.
He loved his family and enjoyed being part of their lives, especially the grandchildren. Horses were his passion. He enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, and traveling. Bob was a longtime member of the Congregational Church in Dodge Center and a 65-year member of the American Legion.
Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean Johnston, Dodge Center; son, David (Patricia) Johnston, Rochester; five grandchildren, Michelle Fate, Dodge Center, Patrick (Margo) Amundrud, Nashville, Tenn., Eric (Sue) Amundrud, Nashville, Jessica (Randy) Robinson, Dodge Center, and Amy Amundrud, Rochester; his great-grandchildren, Ashton Fate, Rochester, Alexa Fate, Dodge Center, Mackenzie, Madelyn, Isabel, and Natalie Robinson, all from Dodge Center, and Ben and Hope Amundrud, Nashville; one brother and four sisters, Rhonald (Dorothy) Johnston, Marjorie Johnston, Jean Weinchknect, Donna (Lowell) Dutton and Phyllis (Dave) Bradford, all of Kasson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Johnny and Dwaine Johnston; and one sister, Marcella Olive.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 110 W. Main St., in Dodge Center, and one hour before the service at the church on Sunday.
Blessed be his memory.