Robert Rogers Johnson

Robert Rogers Johnson, 85, died peacefully at home with family by his side Saturday, August 18, 2012, in Litchfield, MN. He died of natural causes. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 2 pm at the United Methodist Church in Litchfield, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at Lake Ripley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Parkinson's Disease Foundation @ pdf.org be considered. Robert was born on November 19, 1926, in Long Prairie, Minnesota, the tenth of eleven children born to Walter David and Rosalind Rose (Hesser) Johnson. In 1935, the family moved to Litchfield, Minnesota. Robert graduated from Litchfield High School in 1944. Following high school, Robert was selected to serve in the US Navy's V-12 program, studying business and engineering. His commitment to country and his family were reminders to all why his was called ""The Greatest Generation."" Robert graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1948, and joined his brothers in the highway and heavy construction firm originally founded by his father in 1930. He worked as a heavy equipment operator, grade foreman, superintendent, and project manager for the family business later to be called Johnson Bros. Corporation. Projects included some of the nation's first interstate highway construction. During this time, he married his wife of 61 years, Marjory May Blomquist on March 18th, 1951. They would have two daughters and one son. They were members of the United Methodist Church in Litchfield. Robert was elected President of Johnson Bros. Corporation in 1968 and served in this capacity until 1982. He was the Chief Executive Officer of the firm from 1977 to 1986, and Chairman of the Board from 1982-1988. During that time, the company built highways, bridges, dams, industrial plants, and pipelines throughout the USA, in the Middle East, and in Africa. Johnson Bros. Corporation of Litchfield built the Fifth Ring Motorway (freeway) in Kuwait, and a stadium for King Abdul-Aziz in Saudi Arabia. Robert immensely enjoyed working with his brothers, other relatives, and many other highly skilled colleagues in the construction business. He was a rare individual who motivated, energized, and encouraged everyone around him. Robert never passed up an opportunity in the office or on the job sites to ask individuals how they were doing; he truly cared about them and their families. In 1988, after forty years of service, Robert retired from Johnson Bros. Corporation. Still the visionary business leader and entrepreneur, he cofounded an environmental services construction company in 1989. Comanco Environmental Corporation is headquartered in Plant City, Florida, and continues on today. Here is a man to whom God gave many gifts, and ""to whom much is given, much is required."" Robert was also a natural athlete. As a high school senior, he placed 5th in the state high school track meet high hurdles. Robert also played football and basketball for Litchfield. He was a member of the legendary basketball team of 1944 when basketball was the only game in town, and stories still circulate about the regional semi-final game against Patrick Henry high school. Robert went on to play football in college at Minot, North Dakota, and also ran track at Iowa State University. Robert was an avid outdoorsman and fished whenever possible. His prowess with the fly rod was near legendary. Everything he caught was shared with family and friends – including tender filleted Minnesota walleyes, bass, and sunfish. Robert loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren fiercely. He supported and encouraged his family every step of the way, attending graduations and countless athletic activities. Robert always paved the way for his family. He was an earthly father so generous, so selfless, so unconditional in his love, we could at times get a glimpse of our Heavenly Father. We are all comforted knowing he is now in God's presence. Robert will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and business associates. Robert is survived by his wife, Marjory, and three children: Pamela (Stephen) Dille of Litchfield, MN; Rebecca (Mark) Waterhouse of Duluth, MN; and T.R. (Kimberly) Johnson, of Valrico, FL. Eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive: Nicholas (Beth) Dille of Ft. Dix, NJ; Kaisa Dille of Chicago, IL; Spencer (Deborah) Dille and their children, Amelia and Erik, of Tampa, FL; Mitchell (Emily) Dille and their children, Lincoln, Isla, and Annika of Litchfield, MN; Matthew Waterhouse of Duluth, MN; Kara Waterhouse of Duluth, MN; Rachel (David) Moline of Duluth, MN; Jaime Waterhouse of Minneapolis, MN. He is also survived by brother, Ray (Kay) Johnson; sister, Bettylou Johnson; brothers-in-law, Don Blomquist; Ted (Rae) Blomquist; sister-in-law, Marianne Blomquist, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and business associates. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, George, J.R., James (Jim), Paul, Abe, and Walter Jr.; sisters, Beulah and Marjory Jean.Previous Events Visitation Saturday, September 22, 2012 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM United Methodist Church 1000 South Sibley Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Saturday, September 22, 2012 2:00 PM United Methodist Church 1000 South Sibley Litchfield, MN 55355