Robert Johnson, age 82, of Mahnomen, MN, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2016, at Sanford Health Palliative Care in Fargo, ND.

Robert Dale Johnson was born to Helmer and Hazel (Fairbanks) Johnson on August 29, 1934, in White Earth, MN.  He attended school in the area and graduated from Mahnomen High School with the class of '52.  Following graduation, JB joined the US Air Force and was stationed in Alaska and New Mexico.  After his honorable discharge, he lived in Chicago, IL, before returning to Mahnomen.  In March of 1963, Bob married the love of his life, Lorraine Spaeth, at St. Michael's Catholic Church.  Bob and Lorraine made their home in Mahnomen where they raised their three children.  JB worked in construction building bridges for a short time before working for the City of Mahnomen as the Manager of the Liquor Store for 30+ years.

During his retirement years, he enjoyed working in the yard and helped Lorraine with the weekly household chores. Bob was an avid sports fan, especially for the Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Vikings.  He was ecstatic when the Chicago Cubs won the World Series earlier this month.  JB also had a special place in his heart for his favorite canine companion, Annabelle.  She was devoted to Bob to the end.  Bob was a member of the Mahnomen American Legion, St. Michael's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lorraine; his children: Robert, Jr., of Mahnomen, Sherri (Kelly) Brodsho and Debbie (Kevin) Kowalski, both of Fargo; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; brothers: Harold (Karen) of Lakeville, MN, and Merle of Chicago, IL; sister, Helen (Arvin) Zilmer of Aurora, MN; brothers-in-law, Leonard (Pam) Spaeth of Detroit Lakes, MN, and Ronald (Donna) Spaeth of Waubun, MN.  Bob is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Richard.