Robert C. Johnson

Robert C. “Bob” Johnson, 78 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 with loving family at his side at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

Robert Carl Johnson, son of Carl and Helen (Durish) Johnson was born on June 18, 1941 at Lakota, ND. He grew up on the family farm at Mapes, ND, attending the Mapes Country School and graduating from Lakota High School with the class of 1959.

Bob briefly attended the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND before embarking on a musical journey that led him to California and back. His love for music started early on, at the young age of 8.  He won a school talent show with a push-button accordion. 

After returning to North Dakota, Bob farmed with his Dad for a time while, but every spare moment was spent playing in several bands. The love of music, led him to meet the true love of his life, Betty McCanna and they were united in marriage in 1965.  Love of music, love for each other led to the forming of the band “The Bee Jays”. This was a full-time job on the weekends but his career during the week was when he worked for a time for Firestone and later for John Deere until retiring. 

The many talents of Bob include music but didn’t stop with music. He had a recording studio in his home, he created several sales jingles and you may have listened to Bob’s music when you were on hold.  He had a special talent in Graphic Art and detailed many vehicles and created signage at the John Deere and other stores, was a woodworker and did major remodeling projects in his home.  His accomplishments were many, but he was particularly proud of playing lead guitar in 2000 for a Patsy Cline Dinner Theater performance at LRSC and the Spirit Lake Casino.  Several wishes on the Bucket List were accomplished but the highlight was meeting Chet Atkins, Boots Randolph and Floyd Cramer in person.  Bob was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and enjoyed membership in the Devils Lake Elks Lodge.

Bob’s pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He adored his wife Betty and he thanked his Lord every day for the blessing of his family. 

Robert is survived by his loving family. His wife of 54 years Betty; daughters Julie Schlieve, Devils Lake and Melanie (Glen) Klinkhammer, Fargo, ND and son Travis (Megan Ruzicka) Johnson also of Fargo; grandchildren Chelsie (Jake) Schlieve, Bethany (Drew) Schlieve and Riley Schlieve, Taylor (Ryan) Pokrzywinski, Zack Klinkhammer and Kaden Klinkhammer, Mallory Johnson and Larkin Johnson; twin sisters Joyce (Chuck) Paukert, Omaha, NE and Janet (Jack) Chatt, Grand Forks, ND; in-laws Jim McCanna, Las Vegas, NV, Richard (Sylvia) Timboe, Kalispell, MT and Bob Timboe, Devils Lake; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws Leon and Mary Timboe.

Mass of Christian Burial for Bob will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass.