"One of my favorite AHS teachers. Bob taught us Dickens (Great Expectations) and used the lyrics of contemporary musicians such as Paul Simon to get us interested in poetry. I always enjoyed his class. My sincere condolences to his family."
In loving memory of
Robert "Bob" E. Johnson
March 15, 1938 - July 30, 2020
A private graveside service for Bob will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2020, at Holmes Cemetery in Holmes, IA. The Graveside service will be live streamed on Oakcrest Funeral Services' Facebook page.
Robert Eugene Johnson was born March 15, 1938 on his family farm in Eagle Grove, the son of James Herman and Ruth Emogene (Ulstad) Johnson. He graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1956.
Following high school Bob enlisted in the Iowa Air National Guard and attended Eagle Grove Jr. College. Bob also worked for C&NW Railroad and had some funny stories about working on the railroad for a short time. He then went on to UNI where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees in Education and then onto Iowa State University where he earned his doctorate. Bob taught a couple of years at East Waterloo before moving to Algona in 1967 where he taught English/Learning Disabilities at Algona High School until he retired in 1997. One of his proudest moments was coaching his Academic Decathlon Team to a state championship! Along with his teaching career he also rose through the ranks with the Iowa Air National Guard to become the Commander of the 133rd Tactical Control Squadron located in Fort Dodge, Iowa. After retirement from both teaching and the Iowa ANG he worked part time for A.E.A as a consultant and as an adjunct professor for Buena Vista and Drake University.
Bob loved spending time with his family and reading. He really enjoyed golfing in the 'over 50' golf tour with his close golfing buddies. He also read Air Force publications to keep up to date with Air Force technology and news. In addition he enjoyed volunteering taking Veterans to doctor's appointments in South Dakota. His favorite vacations were traveling to Paris, London, Hawaii, and Wales. Bob was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Noon Kiwanis.
Bob died Thursday, July 30, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society, Algona. He was 82.
He is survived by his daughters, Jodi Rutledge and her husband John of Algona and Denise Hollingsworth and her husband Lindy of Gold Canyon, AZ; Sharon Johnson (mother of Jodi and Denise); grandchildren, Wendi (Dan) Crawford of West Bend, Chad (special friend Allie Simpson) Rutledge of Salt Lake City, UT, Samantha (Cody) Walton of Apple Valley, MN, and Scott Hollingsworth of Minneapolis, MN; great-grandchildren, Krayton, Nash, Kree and Atlee Crawford and Deandre Walton; cousin, Mildred (Ed) Cameron of Millsap, TX, and special golfing friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruth Johnson.
Tributes
"Heartfelt sympathy to you all."
"Jodi, I am so very sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers."
"I came to AHS from 8 years in a small school. English had always been a favorite subject, but when it came to the writing portion of the class I was lost. Mr. Johnson recognized this immediately and took the extra time to get me back on track. I will always remember him for his patience and his ability to see that I just needed a little help. I believe he also use to tell us about his diesel powered roller skates. My sympathies to his family. I am sure you will all miss him."
"Bob was a great friend and a awesome teacher I had while I was in High school back in the day. I\'m sending prayers for all the family as well as hugs and good thoughts. "
"I first met Mr. Johnson as one of the new teachers and I was a sophmore in a class with guys that were known as giving the teachers a hard time. He had the hard job of teaching us the classic novels and in end there was avid learners and nappers. Years went by and i wirked at an Assisted Living Facility and Bob Johnson came there to live. He loved Trivia, Jeopardy etc. and he was excellent at them! Then he went to Good Sam and ! went live there there for a couple of months because of a broken leg and he was my next door neighbor! My condolences are with his family."
"I wish i would have seen this sooner than today. HE was my FAVORITE TEACHER, WHEN I GRADUATED, HE SAID TOE HOLLY YOU CANT LEAVE WHO WILL FIX MY COMPUTER FOR ME. HE WAS THE GREATEST, AND WILL BE MISSED DEARLY. HUGS TO ALL OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. "
"I remember when Mr. Johnson was a teacher at AHS wonderful teacher. You have my deepest sympathy always cherish the beautiful memories you have. God Bless "
"I first knew Bob in 1957. We were classmates at Eagle Grove Jr. College. A very good friend. We enjoyed many things together, many coffees, golf, and tennis. He was a great teacher and not just to the students, but to anyone who asked for help. He enjoyed learning. He will be missed."
"I knew Dr. Bob as a warm and engaging educator. He exuded a sense of patience and calm that belied an extraordinary man. I have always felt I was better for have known him. I wish the best to his family and loved ones."
"Remembering Bob when I was a little girl. We used to get together and play at each other\'s homes. You two thought coming to the farm was so fun and we farm kids liked going to Algona (the big city)! Our parents were friends. Our Dads worked together during National Guard duties in Fort Dodge,Iowa. Our Moms remain good friends to this day. Our sympathy to you Jodi, Denise, and your families. The Meyer \"kids\", Andrea, Cheryl, Kim, and Doug"