Robert Thomas Johnson, ("Butsy"), 85, Orr, died peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at the Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center in Duluth.
Robert was born on July 1, 1929 in Hibbing, Minnesota. He was the son of John and Eva (Madden) Johnson. He grew up in Orr and graduated from Orr High School in 1949. In 1950, he entered the Air Force and served as a Staff Sergeant in the Overseas Fighter Bomber Unit. After his tour of duty, Robert returned to Orr and worked for his uncle, Ellsworth Madden, who ran his late father's Philips 66 Station. He was later employed by Scott Erickson until, in 1957, he became the manager of the Orr Muni, a local pub. He served the public with dedication, compassion, and collegiality until his retirement in 1990.
On November 4, 1961, Robert was united in marriage to Margaret Caroline Nordstrom at Calvary Lutheran Church in Orr. They made their home in Orr for many years.
Robert was a faithful member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Orr, and a committed member of the Orr American Legion Post 480 where he served as commander and chaplain. Robert was a kind and generous man with a warm sense of humor. With an honest and open heart, a friendly handshake, and candy in his pocket, he was always willing to reach out and share with others. Robert loved his life in Orr, MN. In an article that described some of his personal story he said, "Orr is home. It is what I think life should be like. It's where I was born and raised, and I guess it's where I will be buried." May he rest in peace knowing that he was deeply loved and respected.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret on January 28, 2007; and his siblings: John "Jackie" Johnson, Margaret Burke, and Carol Johnson.
He is survived by his sisters Lois (Bud) Gunderson of Virginia, MN, and Mary Alice (Don) Dobb of Minneapolis, MN, his step-children Toni (Reginald) Nolin of Menomonie, WI, and Richard (JoEllen) Wright of Albia, IA; and his extended family that includes many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their families.
SERVICES: Memorial services will be 1:00 pm Tuesday (May 26th) in Calvary Lutheran Church in Orr, where a gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to the service. Rev. Arthur Dale will be the officiant. Shannon and Preston Gunderson and Fran Novak will provide the music. The honorary bearers will be: Jon Mathson, Ben Mathson, Mark Nolin, Dale Gunderson, David Gunderson and Jeffery Gunderson. Military honors will be accorded by the combine honors guards of: Orr American Legion, Cook VFW and the Bois Forte Honor Guard. Interment will be in the Leiding Cemetery of Orr. A reception in Robert's honor will be held in the Orr American Legion Hall immediately after the service. If so desired, memorials can be directed to Calvary Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 176, Orr, MN. 55771.
Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.