In Loving Memory of Robert “Bob” Nels Johnson

March 19, 1936 – January 18, 2026

Robert Nels Johnson— “Bob” to all who knew and loved him—passed peacefully from this life on January 18th, leaving behind a legacy of service, devotion, laughter, and quiet, steady kindness that touched countless lives. Born March 19, 1936, in Hurley, South Dakota, to the late Ellius and Signa Johnson, Bob grew up surrounded by his siblings Lyle, Ben, and Carolyn, forming bonds that shaped him for a lifetime. He often shared stories of his childhood escapades with friends and brothers—tales full of mischief, adventure, and the sort of simple joy that stays with a person forever.

A proud graduate of Hurley Public School’s Class of 1954, Bob entered the United States Air Force in 1954, serving four honorable years as a Military Policeman. His service took him to France as part of the post–World War II occupation force. While abroad, he played on the Base Basketball Team, forging friendships and memories that remained some of the strongest of his life. Bob carried immense pride in his service, his country, and the American flag. Anyone who visited his beloved cabin at Hiawatha Beach on Bigstone Lake, South Dakota, surely witnessed one of his heartfelt personal flag ceremonies—deeply meaningful rituals that reflected his patriotism and reverence.

After returning home, Bob married the love of his life, Carol Dangel, on January 15, 1962. This year, they celebrated 64 years of marriage, a love story built on partnership, perseverance, laughter, and devotion. From 1960 to 1964, Bob studied at the University of Sioux Falls, determined to become a teacher and coach. His calling was clear: he was meant to guide young people, encourage them, and help them see their own potential.

Bob’s teaching and coaching journey carried the Johnson family to Orland/Madison and Eagan, South Dakota, and ultimately Ivanhoe, Minnesota. Spending over 33 years educating young people and coaching football, basketball, and track. Along the way, Bob and Carol welcomed their children: Jennifer Louise (1965), Jeffrey Robert (1967), and Jared Michael (1970). As a teacher and coach, Bob was a steady, respected presence—one who understood kids who might need a little extra support and offered it without hesitation. Even decades later, former students and athletes continued to reach out to “Coach,” a testament to the lives he touched and the difference he made.

Bob served his community beyond the classroom to volunteering in the Fire Department, Ambulance Service, Lions Club, and even as VFW Commander. His sense of duty never wavered.

An avid outdoorsman, Bob loved fishing and hunting, sharing these passions especially with his son Jeffrey. The stories—particularly from his trips to the Missouri River and Canada—became cherished family legends.

Bob was also a fierce advocate for athletes with disabilities, championing his son Jared throughout his wheelchair basketball career. He coached and traveled with teams across the country, serving as Assistant Coach for the Southwest State University wheelchair basketball program. His influence resonates today through Jared’s continued work with the Arkansas Rollin Razorbacks, a team Bob supported wholeheartedly. Many players still recall his firm handshake, encouraging words, and genuine care.

Bob was just as proud of his daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Dale’s careers in the U.S. Army. During one of Dale’s deployments, Bob and Carol moved to Watertown, NY, to support their young grandchildren—driving them to school and swim practices, clearing snow, and being the dependable presence every family hopes for.

When Bob retired from teaching, he and Carol moved full‑time to what he always called “the most beautiful place in the world”—Hiawatha Beach on Bigstone Lake. Together they built a little slice of paradise filled with flowers, gardens, grapevines, apple trees, and sunrises and sunsets that seemed crafted just for them. Living just houses away from his brother and best friend, Ben, Bob savored morning coffees in the shed, leisurely drives through the countryside, debates over politics, and countless hours fishing for walleye.

Bob was a fixer—a tinkerer with a gift for solving problems. Whether it was carpentry, electrical work, painting, gardening, or simply lending the right tool at the right time. He was the neighbor everyone counted on. He enjoyed mowing and could often be found ensuring every yard along the beach was neat and cared for.

In his later years, Bob loved sitting outside the shop or on one of the patios, greeting everyone who passed. He never met a stranger and believed he had a connection with everyone he talked to—and often, he did. He cherished taking Carol for countryside rides, enjoyed a good homemade cookie or vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup, and treasured time with his grandchild catching frogs, turtles, and making endless summer memories at their lake cabin on Braided Tree Road.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Carol; his daughter Jennifer and her husband Dale, and their children Meghan (Jeremy) and Chase (Kirstan); his son Jeffrey and his wife Jodi, and their children Garrett and Grace; and his son Jared and his wife Jill. He will also be dearly missed by his sister Carolyn, his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and the many nieces and nephews to whom he brought endless smiles and laughter. In addition, Bob leaves behind countless friends, former students, athletes, and neighbors whose lives were made brighter simply by having known him.

Bob Johnson made the world a kinder, gentler place simply by being in it. He is irreplaceable. He will be remembered every time a deck of cards is shuffled, a big fish is caught, or a game plays on the television. And he will be missed—deeply and forever.

We love you, Dad, and Grandpa. Give Bailey a treat for Grandma and keep an eye on all of us. Until we meet again.

Bob’s final resting place will be St. Boniface Idylwilde Cemetery in rural Freeman, South Dakota. A Mass and burial service will be held this spring.

 In honor of Bob’s lifelong support of adaptive athletics, memorials may be given to the Arkansas Rollin Razorback Foundation. Email: rollinjared@yahoo.com

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com