Robert F. Johnson

Robert F. Johnson, 91, of Bucyrus died peacefully Wednesday night, December 25, 2013 at Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky.

He was born in Galion on October 18, 1922 to the late Chester and Mary (Helt) Johnson and graduated from Galion High School. A customer on Robert's paper route admired his work ethic and asked him to work at Isaly’s in Bucyrus. As manager, he hired a waitress named Betty Harris. A courtship ensued and Robert and Betty were married October 24, 1943.  Then Robert went from serving Isaly’s Klondikes, Chipped Chopped Ham, and Skyscraper Ice Cream Cones to servicing jukeboxes for Hopkins Music Company. He then worked for The Timken Co. for 30 years, retiring as the General Storekeeper Foreman in 1981.

Robert will be remembered as a loyal and hard worker who could fix absolutely anything. If it was broken, he could fix it. He never missed work and wouldn’t take more than a week’s vacation, lest work might fall behind. He took up farming part-time and purchased a small farm north of Bucyrus where he and Betty raised their family. He enjoyed woodworking, making rocking horses, vehicles, dog houses and more. Robert was very well organized and a man of faith. He worshiped with the Epworth and Bucyrus United Methodist Church where he served as trustee, treasurer, sang in the choir, taught the men’s Sunday School class and organized many banquets. He also loved to cook, especially for church and family gatherings. Robert liked to stay busy, even taking piano/organ lessons after retiring and always had the day ahead of him planned out. He was ready, willing, and able to provide advice, support, repairs, and encouragement on any opportunity presented to him.  His knowledge, advice and positive attitude will be missed by those who knew him.

Robert is survived by his bride of 70 years, Betty Johnson; three children, Rich Johnson, Marian Johnson and Becky (Jack) Ray, all of Bucyrus; six grandchildren, Melanie Fienning (fiancé Chad Armstrong), Matthew Johnson, Kristen (Ray) Cromer, Kevin Ray, Tim (Shannon) Ray and Annette (Matt) Grafmiller; seven great grandchildren, Annie & Emma Fienning, Selena Cromer, Chase, Codie & Bailey Ray and Abby Grafmiller and one great-great granddaughter, Adrianna Ray.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Marie Knapp and Beverly Ann Zeger.

The Johnson’s will receive friends from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, December 29 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus where his funeral will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Don Kraps officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Bucyrus United Methodist Church through the funeral home and memories can be shared in the Memorial Guestbook below.



Visitation:

Sunday, December 29, 2013 2-6 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Monday, December 30, 2013 11:00 a.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery, 835 Kaler Ave., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820