Robert Loyd Johnson

Robert Johnson's Memorial Service can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/691527843
Robert Johnson's Tribute Video can be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/N2LDX6C96K2NBM62

Robert “Bob” Loyd Johnson was a proud and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He joined his heavenly family on January 29, 2022, at the age of 88.

Robert was born on November 30, 1933, to Frank and Golda Johnson of Steele, North Dakota. He attended Steele public school, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. After graduating in 1952 from Steele High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He married Vernice Mae Hughes in 1953 in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Robert honorably served in the US Navy from June 4, 1952, to June 3, 1956. As captain of the plane known as the Flying 8 Ball, he flew ocean surveillance, maritime patrol, and intelligence missions. This required flying very low, just above the waves, following Russian ships to gather needed intelligence. Many missions were conducted at night. He toured many countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. His home base was Whidbey Island, Washington.

Robert and Vernice returned to North Dakota, settling in Fargo, to raise their family. They have been members of Hope Lutheran Church since its construction in 1962. Robert gladly served in many roles at the church as a Sunday school teacher, on stewardship and long-range planning committees was a church council member and was the council president in 1978.

Robert earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from NDSU. He earned his PhD in poultry nutrition from Iowa State University. He worked for NDSU from 1967-1993 as an instructor, assistant and associate professor, senator on the University Senate, and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Society and Farm House Fraternity. He retired as professor emeritus.

Robert spent his later years working at Westfield Auger running the parts department before officially retiring in 2014, at the age of 80. He kept busy watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at various sporting events and school functions. He cherished the time spent with his family and enjoyed keeping the wildlife in his yard well fed.

Robert is survived by his wife Vernice; daughter, Lori; daughter-in-law, Patty (Tim); grandchildren, Megan (Lee) Grossman, Alaina Johnson, and Dustin (Paige) Johnson; great-grandchildren Corey and Elsa Grossman and Amir “J” Logan; sisters Margaret Janke and Mildred Hanson; sisters-in-law Joanne Andres, Clarice Hughes, Beverly Johnson, and Marilyn Johnson; brother-in-law Larry Johnson; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Golda Johnson; son, Timothy Johnson; granddaughter, Sharla; great-grandson, Tristan; two brothers, Harold and Walter; father and mother-in-law, George and Helen Hughes; sisters-in-law, Pat Johnson and Florence Gertz; brothers-in-law, Robert Hughes, Melvin Gertz, Russ Hanson, and Ray Andres; and nephew, Rick Hanson.

A celebration of life ceremony will be planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America or the ND Veterans Cemetery.