Roberta "Bobbie" Johnson

Roberta “Bobbie” Catherine Johnson, born September 2, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, died on September 23, 2025, in Hayward, Wisconsin.

Though born and raised in the city of Chicago, Bobbie felt most at home in country settings, especially when surrounded by family.

She attended a variety of elementary schools on Chicago's north side, including James B. McPherson Elementary School, later attended Amundsen High School, and completed her diploma through Lakeview High School’s summer school.

At the age of 18, Bobbie married her only husband, Lionel, beginning a marriage that would span more than six decades and be blessed with four children.

In the Ravenswood neighborhood near Damen and Lawrence Avenues, where Bobbie and Lionel raised their family, she offered compassion through a helping hand and a listening ear, readily making herself available to young people, her peers, and the elderly.

Roberta came to faith in Jesus and was baptized through the ministry of Ravenswood Covenant Church, where she served for many years in AWANA, on boards and committees, and alongside her husband and children as church custodians for more than a decade.

Bobbie’s faith, hope, love for people, and gift of helps shaped the course of her life. She was a devoted, self-sacrificing wife and homemaker.

Roberta found ways, through part-time jobs, to add income to the household. She cared for disabled children and adults and performed restoration work for a neighbor’s ServiceMaster franchise while also offering her own cleaning services for condominium owners along Chicago’s lakefront. When all of her children were old enough and in school, she worked full-time for McCrory’s Five and Dime and later for The Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind. While at the Lighthouse, she participated in the bowling team, The Chicago Troublemakers a visually impaired team. In retirement, she established a professional custodial service contracted with Johnson Bank in Hayward, Wisconsin.

Whether serving as a volunteer, employee, coworker, wife, mother, or friend, Bobbie earned the trust and affection of those around her.

Roberta loved the outdoors. As a child, she fished with her father, Charles, in the waters around Chicagoland. She later fished with her mother, grandmother, and husband, and taught her own children to fish on Lake Hayward. Many fond memories were created with her older brother Steve, fishing and boating in the Chain O’Lakes near Fox Lake, Illinois. With her husband, she gave her time and talents to the North Country Riders ATV Club, helping advocate for and maintain Sawyer County’s trail system while also enjoying rides with family and friends. Little known to many, prior to and after marrying Bobbie even worked from time to time as a farmhand in Schaumburg, Illinois. In the last years of her life, she also served as a camp hostess selling firewood and greeting campers at Pattison State Park in Wisconsin.

She loved laughter, coffee, conversation, and a bit of gossip. Fiercely loyal and protective, she met life's challenges with courage, grit, and quiet determination. Possessing humble character and inner fortitude, she rarely backed down from a fight while remaining gracious. She was resilient to her final day.

She is survived by her husband, Lionel Gene Johnson Sr.; her children, Kimberly Ann Olsen (Thomas), Jimmy Lee Johnson (Tanna), and Charles Brian Johnson (Rebecca); daughter-in-law, Sara (Lionel Jr.); her grandchildren, Jessica Olsen, Hunter Johnson, Julia Olsen, and Henry Johnson; as well as her nephew Steve Ellgass Jr. (Karin) and her nephews and nieces of Neimes family.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, the White family; her parents, Charles and Jean Ellgass; her sister, Fran Neimes; her brother, Steve Ellgass Sr.; and her firstborn son, Lionel Gene Johnson Jr.

Bobbie will be remembered for her steadfast faith, sacrificial love for her family, generous spirit, and willingness to help anyone in need. Though born in the city, her heart found its home among family, friends, and the lakes, woods, and quiet beauty of the Northwoods she loved.

“A memorial service will be held at Hayward Wesleyan Church in Hayward, Wisconsin, on June 27, 2026. Visitation 1-2PM, Celebration of Life 2-3PM, with a light luncheon to follow in the church gymnasium.”

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