Robert L. Johnson

Robert L. “Bob” Johnson, 87, of Wapakoneta, passed away at 7:13 a.m. on Sunday, October 15, 2023 with family by his side.

He was born on September 15, 1936 in Bath Township, Allen County, OH to Hugh F. & Royal T. (Stewart) Johnson who preceded him in death.  On July 4, 1992, he married Bettye R. Gruebmeyer (Johnson) who passed away in November 2017.

In addition to his parents and spouse, Robert is preceded in death by his stepmother, Cora (Musser) Johnson; siblings, Evelyn and Harold Johnson; a stepbrother, Warren Musser; and a stepsister, Helen (Musser) Leidy.

Survivors include a son and daughter in law; Jeffrey L. (Karin) Johnson of Findlay, OH, and a daughter and son in law, Stephanie R. (Daniel) Artman of Gilbert, AZ. He is also survived by Jody (Beth) Gruebmeyer, Bettye’s son and daughter in law, of Spencerville, OH.

Robert is also survived by former spouse and mother of his children, Judy Kantner Bertrand, of Sidney, OH.

Robert was a 1955 graduate of Blume High School in Wapakoneta. He was a veteran of the United States Army and Army Reserve where he served from 1958 to 1963.  While serving in the Army, Robert trained as an armor track specialist at the Armor School in Fort Knox, Kentucky.  He was later assigned overseas to bases in Germany.

After his time spent serving his country, Robert began employment as a driver in 1964 at G.A. Wintzer & Son Co. in Wapakoneta. He worked as a driver for 28 years until 1992, and he officially retired from G.A. Wintzer & Son Co. in 2001.

Throughout the 1970’s, Robert volunteered and coordinated the Astro Lanes Youth Bowling League. He enjoyed mentoring and coaching kids about bowling and engaging in league competitions. Robert was also a lifelong member of the Wapakoneta Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #691. He held numerous titles with the Eagles which included, Worthy President from June 1992 to May 1993, and again from June 2004 to May 2005. He also held the title of Jr. Past Worthy President from June 2005 to May 2006.

Robert, or “Bob”, as his friends and family called him was beloved by so many people. He loved to socialize, and he managed to make friends everywhere he went and unknowingly touched so many lives. He was great at woodworking and cabinetry, and he loved to work outdoors. He enjoyed model trains and would spend much time building his model train sets and making the tables to display them.  Bob was also an expert at mathematical puzzles and had books and books of completed puzzles that he did that kept his mind focused and methodical. He also loved to complete complex jigsaw puzzles and could always be found in his home putting his next puzzle together for framing as artwork. He also enjoyed watching the Cincinnati Reds and the Cincinnati Bengals sports teams. He was deeply loved by his family and will be greatly missed.

Family and friends may visit from 3-5 p.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023 at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Wapakoneta.  Military rites will be performed by the V.F.W. Post 8445 immediately following the visitation at the funeral home.  Robert will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lima, OH the following day in a private ceremony with family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s in Robert’s name.