Robert J. Johnson

Robert Joseph Johnson passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, just shy of his 105th birthday. He was born August 21st, 1921 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to William and Hester (Phillips) Johnson. Bob was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church his entire life. He attended St. Augustine grade school and high school and graduated with the class of 1939. He attended WMU for 1 year before joining the Navy.

Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1616 for 85 years. He was a senior server for Mass, a Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion, President of the C.Y.O. as well as the Holy Name Society. Bob was a member of the plumbers-pipefitters local 357 and worked as a plumber at Johnson & Wilk and Wheeler-Blaney for over 40 years, retiring in 1986.

Bob enlisted in the US Navy in 1942. He reached the rank of Gunners Mate 1st class and served in World War II before being discharged in 1945. In 2020, at the age of 99, Bob was awarded Veteran of the Year honors. He was a proud Navy man!

Upon his release from the Navy, Bob came home and became reacquainted with “the girl next door”, Mary Catherine Redmond. After a few years, their friendship turned to love, eventually leading to Bob asking Mary for her hand in marriage. She said “yes”! They married on a snowy, November 11th day in 1950 and were blessed with 13 children, 34 grandchildren, and 54 great-grandchildren, with more on the way. Mary and Bob loved to travel. Favorite places included Hawaii, Las Vegas, New York, Nashville and Ireland.

Bob was a big believer in serving his community. His many volunteer hours included Salvation Army Christmas bell ringer, visiting residents at area nursing homes and helping with Red Cross blood drives. Bob was recognized by the American Red Cross for donating over 20 gallons of blood. His most gratifying volunteer “job” was at Bronson Hospital where he was known as the “Magazine Man”, delivering magazines and chatting with patients. Bob’s first job as a young lad was going door to door selling magazines so it seems fitting he ended his work duties as he had started them years before.

In addition to being a loving husband and father, Bob had many things that brought him much joy: sitting in the sun, bird watching, games with family and friends such as ping-pong, croquet, checkers, cribbage, and horseshoes. He also loved attending family gatherings, especially the yearly family Christmas party. Bob was a big sports fan. He enjoyed watching the Olympics, Detroit Tigers baseball and especially the fighting Irish of Notre Dame football.

Bob never turned down a free cup of coffee and a cookie (or two). He had a special talent of being able to fix almost anything with a paper clip, a piece of duct tape or a rubber band. Bob kept a journal for over sixty years. His dedication to documenting family life as well as world events is something his family will cherish forever.

Bob was preceded in death by Mary, his wife of 73 Years, his parents, daughters Barbara Liggins and Carol McCracken, a brother-in-law Jack Redmond. Surviving are his children: William (Jill) Johnson, Michael (Barb) Johnson, Patricia Eve, Theresa (Rod) Hojara, Steven (Peggy) Johnson, Thomas (Linda) Johnson, Jane (Ron) Ford, David (Lori) Johnson, Daniel (Cheryl) Johnson, Catherine Stoner, Elizabeth (Tim) O’Donnell, 34 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren with more on the way. He is also survived by a sister-in-law Nancy Redmond and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation and viewing will be held on Friday, July 31st from 4:00-6:00 at Adams-Redmond funeral home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave Kalamazoo Michigan 49008, with a prayer service at 6:00 followed by a rosary at 7:00. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 1st at 10:00 at St. Augustine Cathedral, 542 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo Michigan 49007. Interment to follow at Mr. Olivet Cemetery. Donations can be made to Salvation Army or St. Augustine school scholarship fund. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Park Village Pines, Crystal Woods and Centrica Care Navigators for their compassion and dedication.

Bobs faith was a driving force, guided his every move, gave him strength, and shaped how he treated everyone around him. He set a wonderful example for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed!