Robert Clifford Johnson, age 93, of Isanti died August 25, 2025 at GracePointe Crossing in Cambridge. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at South Isanti Baptist Church with Pastor Robert Venneman and Pastor Josh Pollard officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Isanti Union Cemetery.
Robert C. Johnson was born May 10, 1932 in Grandy, Minnesota, to Clifford and Ruby (Engblom) Johnson of rural Isanti. The oldest of five children, he grew up on the family dairy and crop farm and assisted with many farm chores from an early age, including hitching up teams of work horses, milking cows, and harvesting the crops that carried the Johnson family through during the depths of the Great Depression.
Robert graduated from Cambridge High School class of 1951. After working on local farms following graduation he served in the U.S. Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Fort Richardson, Alaska. Robert married Etta M. Quade of Minneapolis (originally of Duluth) on May 25, 1963. They made their home in rural Isanti on part of the family farm and on August 3, 1965 their son Daniel was born. Robert worked at the Federal Cartridge ammunition plant in Anoka for more than 30 years, serving in various roles culminating in steamfitter/pipefitter.
Robert dearly loved his family, particularly his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His first concern in any discussion was how everyone was doing and the latest news in their lives.
Robert also loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting (especially deer hunting) and fishing with family, including his son, grandsons, brothers, cousins, and nephews. Brother Arnie’s cabin on Little Vermillion Lake near Deer River was a cherished destination over the years, as was the Quade family cabin near Duluth. His outdoor adventures continued into his nineties. These included deer hunting last fall and a salmon fishing trip on Lake Michigan in 2023 that included his son, grandsons and grandson-in-law. On his final outing, in July 2025, he enjoyed a memorable fishing trip on Lake Fannie near Cambridge with four generations of family members including great-grandson Brantley—and the fish were biting!
Robert is lovingly remembered by his son Daniel and daughter-in-law Julie (Thiel) Johnson; three grandchildren, Emily (Bryan) O’Rourke, Jacob (Jocelyn) Johnson and Joshua (Allison) Johnson; five great-grandchildren, Brantley, Raelynn, Wilhelmina, Everleigh, Hazel, and a sixth on the way; and brothers Leland and Arnie, along with many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in Heaven by his loving wife Etta, brother Kenny, sister Lorraine, parents and special friend Eleanor Olson.
The family would like to thank the staff of GracePointe Crossing and Optage Hospice for their exceptional, compassionate care.
Lots of fun memories with cousin Bob o er the years! Especially Deer Hunting! RIP COUSIN!!
Dan, Julie, Kay & Leland, Sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad, Father in law, Brother & Brother in law. Bob was always a pleasant man to visit with. Prayers & sympathy to all of you.
Dear Johnson family,
Words cannot convey the wonderful man Bob is and all the cherished times we spent with him. A quick and witty sense of humor and the patience of Job!! Many hours fishing on Mille Lacs and fish fries at the lake. He will be greatly missed by many, but know he is having a grand reunion in heaven with family and friends. He leaves a legacy of a wonderful family. May you all have the peace of God that passes all understanding.