Robert Duane Johnson

Robert Duane Johnson, 90 of Alexandria, passed away at his home on Monday, January 20, 2025. Memorial services will be held Saturday, February, 1, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Holmes City, MN at 11:00 AM with a funeral luncheon to follow. Visitation will take place Friday, January 31, 2025 at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, as well as one hour prior to services at the church Saturday. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery at a later date.

Robert “Bob” Johnson was born on August 10, 1934 to Edgar and Bertha (Mensinger) Johnson in Hoffman, Minnesota. When he was two, Bob’s family relocated to a farm near Garfield, where he attended public school until the ninth grade. He then enrolled in high school in Alexandria and graduated with the class of 1952. Following the completion of high school, Bob worked for a short time in St. Cloud before moving to Minneapolis to work for Ford Motor Company. While employed there, he attended technical school at Dunwoody College to become an electrician. He remained at Ford Motor Company until retiring in 1998, completing over 46 years of service with the company.

While in high school, Bob met Eleanor Ann Larson of Holmes City and the couple were married in June of 1954 at Holmes City Lutheran Church. Together, they welcomed four children and enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren, and even going on a few family vacations. A little more than a decade ago, Bob and Ellie decided to move back to the Alexandria area to be close to family once again.

Bob was a strong-willed, hard-working man with a genuine heart. Not to mention the brains to win nearly every card game played with his family, and winning with a smirk on his face at that. So many core memories were had and spent with him. Including, purchasing the fake candy cigarettes from the corner store in Holmes City and sitting on the porch with his grandkids to “smoke” them. Him taking out a piece of candy out from his coat pocket after dinner and asking you if you’d like one. Elk hunting in Colorado, fishing trips at Lake of the Woods, throwing rocks at cans with a wrist rocket, casino trips where he’d only play one nickel at a time and having to end the night with Butter Pecan ice cream. Sitting on the couch while sharing a whole can of sardines, to the Truth or Consequences New Mexico trips every winter with Ellie. And most of all, how giddy he’d become when he knew he was about to kiss his wife, Ellie. He loved everyone wholeheartedly, and did so much for the people in his life. He was a true friend to many, even if it was something as simple as giving his wife the window seat on each plane ride because he knew how much she loved it. He was a true character with the most mischievous laugh and biggest heart. He will forever be missed and every single memory cherished.

Robert’s is survived by his wife, Eleanor Johnson; children: Terry (Bonnie) Johnson, Steven (Melissa) Johnson, Gregory (Marisa) Becky Johnson; grandchildren: Bob Johnson, Amy (Jesse) Lessard, Tiffaney Johnson, Eric (Jen) Johnson, Natalie (Ray) Danielson, Christopher Johnson, Jessica Ossanna, Tianna Beaman; 10 great-grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Bertha Johnson; siblings: Leroy Johnson, Charlotte Ludwig, and Joyce Martin.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS MEMORIALS TO TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH IN HOLMES CITY OR ST. LUKE'S CHURCH IN GARFIELD ARE PREFERRED. 

Trinity Lutheran Church
5966 County Rd 4W SW
Holmes City, MN 56341

St. Luke's Church
201 Ida St E
Garfield, MN 56332