Robert L. Johnson, M.D., of Port Edwards, Wisconsin, died at the Marshfield Clinic following a difficult recovery from heart surgery on June 18, 2019. Dr. Johnson was born February 12, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, son of Harry and Mildred (Nee Wennberg) Johnson. He attended the Illinois Institute of Technology and received a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree from the University of Louisville. While being employed for a short while by the Pure Oil Co., he enlisted in the U. S. Naval Reserve in 1942. He served on active duty in WWII from 1943 to 1946, the last year as a gunnery officer on the heavy cruiser USS St. Paul. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to the Pure Oil Co.. In 1951, he married the joy of his life, Ruth Anna Meyer. He is survived by his four sons, Leslie (Kitty), Delavan, WI., Christian (Sandy), Darlington, WI., Kurt, Wood County, WI., Thomas (Toria), Port Edwards, WI., a brother Harry (Louise), Prospect Heights, IL and grandchildren and great grandchildren. His wife Ruth preceded him in death on December 12, 2014. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald (Margaret) of Centralia, MO.

Attending Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, IL. he was awarded the degree ofDoctor of Medicine. After his internship, he spent a year at the VA Research Hospital in Chicago. Beginning the private practice of medicine in the Adams Friendship, WI area, he came to WisconsinRapids in 1959 where he practiced medicine until retirement in 1990.

During his professional career, Dr. Johnson was active in the Wood County Medical Society, theWisconsin State Medical Society, American Medical Association and the Academy of FamilyPractice. As an active member of the Wisconsin Rapids Community, he participated in several community organizations as a committee member, a director on various boards of director and several fund raising efforts, including Riverview Hospital, the YMCA and the Family Center.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 10th at the First CongregationalUCC Church located at 311 Second St. S., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Church on Saturday from 10:00-11:00 AM. Burial will be made at a later date.