Robert “Bob” Lyle Johnson
May 29, 1943 – July 18,2025
Robert “Bob” Lyle Johnson, lovingly known as “Papa,” passed away surrounded by his family leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, and unwavering integrity. He was born on May 29, 1943, in Austin, Minnesota, to Lyle and Maxine Johnson. On December 5, 1964, he married the love of his life, Sandra Bjorgo. Together, they shared a beautiful life and shared 56 years of marriage filled with laughter, partnership, and devotion.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother, father, and older brother, Larry. He is survived by his two children and their spouses; Brian (Jerilyn) Johnson of Plano, IL and Kimberly (Mike) Glisson of Edwardsville, IL, several nieces and nephews, seven beloved grandchildren: Vance Schmidt, Mikayla Schmidt, Ryleigh Johnson, Michael Glisson, Jr., Bryce Glisson, Robert Glisson, and Ella Grace Glisson, & one great-grandchild, Henry Schmidt.
Bob did things his own way – always. Life presented its early challenges, but he met them with grit, resilience, and an independent spirit that shaped the man he became. A true free thinker and entrepreneur, Bob carved his own path with quiet determination and an infectious laugh.
He was a man of deep convictions who believed in standing up for the little guy, giving second chances, finding the healing warmth of the sun, and the rhythm of a good run. His joy was greatest outdoors – with his family, on a hiking trail, on the golf course, or exploring a national park. Travel wasn’t just a hobby for Bob – it was a way of life and a constant source of wonder.
He was also a man of simple pleasures: a strong cup of coffee, being dealt a good hand in cards, a well-deserved round of golf, a joke with a clever punchline, an afternoon of pool volleyball, music that told a story, and the perfect oatmeal raisin cookie.
Bob could not sing a lick – not that that stopped him. His love of music propelled him to become a one-man production team of the self-titled B-O-B Records, complete with a cover donning the Sandwich water tower and gazebo. Many family members, friends, and friends of friends were recipients of a B-O-B production.
Above all, Bob was a devoted father and the most magical grandfather. “Papa” had a knack for disappearing with the grandkids for hours, returning only when cheeks were flushed, shoes were muddy, and everyone was beaming from shared secrets and adventures.
He leaves behind a family who adored him – grateful to have been loved by a man who was so generous with his time, his stories, and his heart. His legacy lives on in every trail walked, every act of kindness shown, and every child who believes in mischief and a little magic.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Family and friends are invited to gather at Burkhart-Eighner Funeral Home to celebrate Bob’s life on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A Graveside Service will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Sandwich, IL. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or National Park Foundation. For more information or to sign the online guest book, go to www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com
Burkhart-Eighner Funeral Home
606 E. Arnold Rd.
Sandwich, IL 60548
815-786-2165
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