Robert H. 'Bob' Johnson

MADISON- “Our Pride and Joy”, Robert H. “Bob” Johnson, age 88, died peacefully at home on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2012, of cancer with his family by his side. For more than 40 years, Bob entertained audiences with his extraordinary piano playing talent, performing in a variety of venues as a soloist or with fellow musicians. He performed monthly at Oakwood West for many years with his combo until his illness. He was born in Chicago, Ill., on May 11, 1924, the son of the late John and Minne Mae Morey Johnson. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Dorothy Sherry Johnson; three children, Karolyn (Wayne) Johnson, Kathryn Winch, and Karl (Cheri) Johnson; grandchildren, Jessica (Joseph) Rucka, Denese Johnson, David (Sara) Johnson, Laura (Cliff) Rucks, and Janelle (Matthew) Johnson; great-grandchildren, Sienna and Kyle Rucka, Owen and Elliot Johnson, Ingrid and Robert Rucks; brother-in-law and sisters-in law, Ruth and Paul Sherry , and Judy Sherry; many nieces and nephews; and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Carl and Ruth Sherry; and also Reuben, Richard, Ann and Steven Sherry. Bob married Dorothy, who he affectionately called “Queenie” on Sept. 15, 1945, at a time when he worked in a war plant, Western Electric, and attended Northwestern University. His career was in sales, mainly pianos and organs, in LaCrosse, Milwaukee, and Ward-Brodt in Madison. He worked for 20 years at Schenk-Huegel Uniform Company, retiring at age 82. Bob always had a story or joke to tell with all those he met in life and shared his “Pride and Joy” card along the way. He was a loving, devoted husband, father and friend with a kind and generous spirit. Bob became a member of the downtown Optimist Club in 1968, serving as President from 1975 until 1976 and accompanied their weekly sing-alongs. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Zor Shrine Chanters Mens Chorus. He served as a past secretary / treasurer of the Madison Musicians Union and taught music at Oak Hill Correctional encouraging his students to share their musical talents as a career. Bob and Dorothy became members of Bethel Lutheran Church in 1965, partaking in various activities. They have been Blessed by all the love and support of their faith family these last four years. Funeral services for Bob will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. The family extends personal gratitude to Jim Kohl, Alexis and Jim Olson, Ginny and Ron Ruland, Lois Seymour and Karl Marquardt. A special thank you to the doctors, nurses, Agrace HospiceCare, especially Adele, Therese, Nikki, Loretta, and Terry for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. Funeral services for Bob will be held at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013.