Obituary for Ernest Robert "Bob" Johnson
Ernest R. “Bob” Johnson of Bessemer, MI, passed away Wednesday, February 15, after a three-year battle with Kidney cancer.
Bob was born in Ironwood, MI, on February 5, 1941, to Ernest and Alyce Johnson. A proud Swede, he loved the UP and the wonderful things this area has to offer.
Growing up on his Grandfather’s Dairy Farm, he was active in 4-H and started showing horses early in life. His passion for horses became life-long.
An active outdoorsman, he enjoyed snowmobiling and skiing. He spent many years on the Ski Patrol at Powderhorn and Blackjack. He had an uncanny resemblance to the Blackjack character and would dress up in his buffalo plaid shirt, Malone wool pants and ski with a cant-hook to entertain the crowds on the weekends. As a result, he became affectionately known as “Blackjack.”
Bob earned his associate's Degree in electronics in Minneapolis and returned to run the Hurley plant for The Astronautics Corporation of America until 1980. Then, he left the UP to become a safety engineer in the construction industry. His work took him around the country, including the North Slope of Alaska, Washington, California, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia, to name a few of the places he explored.
Later in life, he reunited with his junior prom date, Jo Benakis (Louma). Together, they returned to a small Bessmer farm that became their pride and joy. Living on the farm reignited his passion for draft horses. He had several teams over the years, but his current team, “Laverne and Shirley,” often flanked by his once-in-a-lifetime dog, Strider, brought him immense happiness. Through the years, he gave hay and sleigh rides at his farm and local fairs and enjoyed showing his teams off at various events across the Northwoods. He was grateful to enjoy one last public event with his friends and his beloved team, pulling Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Jack Frost parade this past December.
He is survived by his partner Jo, his two Daughters Cathy Jo (John) of Incline Village, NV, Kris of Waukesha, WI, his Grandson Aaron (Cassidy) of Shullsburg, WI, and his dear friend Lois Giackino. He had many special friendships with “horse people” in the area, but none were more profound than the Anderson family: Theresa, Danny, Mitchell, Vanessa, and her children, Parker and Paisleigh.
Bob’s family would like to express profound gratitude for the compassionate care he received from the Aspirus staff during his recent hospital stay and the Westgate Living Community staff over the last few weeks.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18, at Salem Lutheran Church, Ironwood. Visitation will begin at 11. Service at 12. Coffee and dessert will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Animal Shelter or the Gogebic County Fair Board via Theresa Anderson
Bob was born in Ironwood, MI, on February 5, 1941, to Ernest and Alyce Johnson. A proud Swede, he loved the UP and the wonderful things this area has to offer.
Growing up on his Grandfather’s Dairy Farm, he was active in 4-H and started showing horses early in life. His passion for horses became life-long.
An active outdoorsman, he enjoyed snowmobiling and skiing. He spent many years on the Ski Patrol at Powderhorn and Blackjack. He had an uncanny resemblance to the Blackjack character and would dress up in his buffalo plaid shirt, Malone wool pants and ski with a cant-hook to entertain the crowds on the weekends. As a result, he became affectionately known as “Blackjack.”
Bob earned his associate's Degree in electronics in Minneapolis and returned to run the Hurley plant for The Astronautics Corporation of America until 1980. Then, he left the UP to become a safety engineer in the construction industry. His work took him around the country, including the North Slope of Alaska, Washington, California, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia, to name a few of the places he explored.
Later in life, he reunited with his junior prom date, Jo Benakis (Louma). Together, they returned to a small Bessmer farm that became their pride and joy. Living on the farm reignited his passion for draft horses. He had several teams over the years, but his current team, “Laverne and Shirley,” often flanked by his once-in-a-lifetime dog, Strider, brought him immense happiness. Through the years, he gave hay and sleigh rides at his farm and local fairs and enjoyed showing his teams off at various events across the Northwoods. He was grateful to enjoy one last public event with his friends and his beloved team, pulling Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Jack Frost parade this past December.
He is survived by his partner Jo, his two Daughters Cathy Jo (John) of Incline Village, NV, Kris of Waukesha, WI, his Grandson Aaron (Cassidy) of Shullsburg, WI, and his dear friend Lois Giackino. He had many special friendships with “horse people” in the area, but none were more profound than the Anderson family: Theresa, Danny, Mitchell, Vanessa, and her children, Parker and Paisleigh.
Bob’s family would like to express profound gratitude for the compassionate care he received from the Aspirus staff during his recent hospital stay and the Westgate Living Community staff over the last few weeks.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18, at Salem Lutheran Church, Ironwood. Visitation will begin at 11. Service at 12. Coffee and dessert will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Animal Shelter or the Gogebic County Fair Board via Theresa Anderson