65383_Robert W._Johnson
Robert W. Johnson, age 85 of Thompson passed away Sunday November 3, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.
Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Thursday November 7, 2013 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson with Pastor Lynn Noel officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson at a later date.
Robert Wendell Johnson was born March 18, 1928 in Forest City, Iowa to Oscar and Viola Johnson. He was raised in Thompson, Iowa and graduated from Thompson High School in 1945. He enlisted in the U.S Navy where he served during World War II. In 1949 Robert went into business with his father, owning and operating Farmers Lumber Company for many years. He also owned and operated the movie theater in Thompson with his brother-in-law, Wayne Bravick. For many years Bob and Wayne also farmed Joe Bravick’s farm northwest of Thompson. After many years in the lumber and building business, Bob sold the firm and went to work in the Winnebago County Assessor’s Office and remained there until retirement.
On June 25, 1950, Bob and Darlene Bravick were married at Bethany Lutheran Church in Thompson. They had three children, Renee, Chuck, and Julie. Bob and Darlene celebrated 63 years of marriage.
Bob was always actively involved in his community. He served for many years on the Thompson Fire Department with several of those years as chief. He was a member of the VFW as well as Bethany Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council. He was active in city affairs, serving as both a town council member and as mayor of Thompson for eight years. He was currently serving as mayor at the time of his death.
Robert is survived by his wife, Darlene, his daughter, Renee (Bill) Burchett of Ankeny, and Renee’s son Matthew (Kriss) and children Andrew and Lucas of Plymouth, MN; his son, Chuck (Tammy) of Scottsdale, AZ and their sons Nick (Liz) and Robert (Chelsea); his daughter, Julie (Rick) Helps of Johnston, and their children Ryan (Cheri) and son Logan of Grimes and Jessica (Brian) and daughter Ava of Omaha, NE, his sisters Alice (Virgil) Christianson of Springville, CA and Esther (John) Rudge of Cumming, GA as well as several nieces and nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Viola.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Thompson Fire Department.