Robert E Johnson, Sr, 75, passed on January 29, 2022. He was born to Earl and Marian Johnson in Melrose Park, Illinois on November 24, 1946.

He married Sheila Horney in June, 1966. They celebrated 55 years together in 2021. They lived in Aurora, Illinois for the past 26 years. Together they raised 2 children Robert, Jr, and Deron (Kristen). He is survived by 7 grandchildren (Ryan (Kaeli), Miranda, Joanna, Luis, Brandy, Jacob and Kyle). He had 4 great grandchildren (Logan, Lluvia, Isla and Lincoln). He is survived by one sister-in-law, Sonja Henning, and many cousins.

Bob graduated from Walther Lutheran High School in 1964.

Bob began his career as a policeman in the Village of Riverside Police Department in 1971. He retired from the department in 1998 as Deputy Chief. He lived his private life and career according to the George S Patton quote: "If a man does his best what else is there?". He loved deeply and was very proud of his family. He always did his best.

He was a man of few words and diverse interests. He loved history and was a voracious reader. He loved baseball and would schedule vacations according to how many games he could fit into the days he was not working. He was a lifelong Cubs fans and was thrilled when they finally won the World Series in 2016, since 2 of his favorite words in the National anthem were the last two, "Play Ball". Well, there was also the car thing.

He was an intense animal lover and discovered Golden retrievers in 1970. He was rarely without at least one in the home and supported As Good As Gold Golden Retriever Rescue with all his heart. He spent many hours volunteering as one of the coordinators for their Gotcha Day cards, transporting rescued goldens to wherever they needed to go, and fostering goldens in our home until they were adopted, as well as adopting our own goldens from AGAG.

He loved God. He spent many years supporting the churches we attended. He provided support to the pastors at St. Marks in Aurora as adult worship leader for the Saturday evening service for almost 15 years. He loved researching and practicing the readings and hymns so that he could do a good job in helping to lead the services.

Bob died in the hospital after a prolonged illness. His family was with him providing support and showing love the entire time. His body has been cremated and his amazing life will be celebrated in a private service with his family at Faith Lutheran in Aurora.

Donations may be made to:

 As Good As Gold Golden Retriever Rescue-http://www.asgoodasgold.org/ 

St Marks Lutheran Church, Aurora-http://stmarksaurora.net/give

Faith Lutheran Church, Aurora-http://discoveringfaith.com

A truly good man is no longer with us, but he leaves behind a loving family and an example of what one person can achieve if he simply tries.