Robert E. Johnson, of Apache Junction, Arizona
Jan. 31, 1927 — April 7, 2016
Niles Daily Star, Published online 9:21 am Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Robert E. Johnson, 89, of Apache Junction, Arizona, passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2016, after surviving two strokes and recurring infections and complications for two years.
He was born Jan. 31, 1927, in Gallipolis, Ohio. After completing 8th grade he helped his family by working the land. At the young age of 18 he joined the Army and was stationed in Austria shortly after World War II where he met his love, Ernestina Katerina Moosman. Bob re-enlisted with the Army twice to make sure they would allow him to bring his beautiful bride, Erna, back to the United States.
- Johnson
They were married in Salzburg, Austria on Nov. 17, 1948, and settled in Niles soon after.
Together they raised two sons and one daughter: Henry, Dwain and Teresa.
Bob and Erna led an active life including living and working on the farm while the kids were growing up. There were many trips back to Austria to visit Erna’s family. One of their favorite pastimes in their younger years was square dancing with friends.
In their later years, Bob and Erna kept very busy with their turquoise jewelry business, setting up at many of the arts and crafts festivals locally and around the country.
They traveled in their motorhome out west for the winters, and took their jewelry business on the road with them, making many new friends at festivals and flea markets along the way.
Bob and Erna lived in Niles for more than 40 years. Bob worked at National Standard before retiring, and then they moved to Apache Junction, Ariz. in 1992.
He will always be remembered for his deep love for Erna and their love for family. Their door was always open and you were welcomed with a smile, open arms and home-made food.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Johnson and Grace Adkins-Johnson; his wife, Erna Johnson; his two sisters; daughter, Teresa Johnson-Cole of Niles; and infant daughter, Angela Sue Johnson.
Bob is survived by Son Albert Henry “Hank” Johnson and wife Maureen of Niles; Son Dwain A. Johnson and wife Julie of Gilbert, Arizona; Grandchildren, Jenny Johnson of St. Joseph, Michigan; Dean Johnson and wife Michelle of Niles, Todd Johnson and wife Karey of Niles; Heidi Johnson of Apache Junction, Arizona; Kacey Cole of Niles; Courtney Johnson of Gilbert, Arizona; Dominic Johnson and wife Kristen of Gilbert, Ariz.; and Great Grand-Daughter Alyssa Johnson of Gilbert, Arizona.
A memorial service will be held at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles on Friday, July 8, 2016, at 3 p.m., where family and friends will commit his ashes to his final resting place to join his wife, Erna, and daughters, Teresa and Angela Sue.