Robert Johannsen Obituary

Robert (Bob) A. Johannsen

Mar 16, 1945 - Mar 27, 2023

Collins

Robert (Bob) A. Johannsen, 78, of Collins, passed away Monday, March 27, 2023, at Firelands Regional Medical Center after an accident.

He was born March 16, 1945, in Oberlin, to Albert and Maurine (Sarah Catlin) Johannsen, living on a dairy farm. Bob graduated from Firelands High School in 1963.

He worked and grew up on said farm until his marriage to Pat (Durning) in 1969. Together, they bought an additional farm in Townsend Twp. where they raised their three precious girls. Being service-oriented, he served 16 years on Western Reserve School board, served 31 years as a firefighter at Townsend Twp. and Fire Chief for 11 years, and was on Soil & Water Conservation Board for 30 yrs. Bob was also a charter member of the Ruritans and served for 40 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and was proud of starting Jo-Beck Farms in 2022 with his grandson, Aiden Beck.

Robert is survived by his wife, Patricia; daughters, Chris Miller (Scott Flamme), Becky (Brett) Conklin, and Sarah (Kelly) Beck; grandchildren, Alexis Miller (Alec Stewart) and her father Steve Miller, Ashley (Trey) Shirley, Robert (Amanda) Conklin, Hannah (Mitch) McKenzie, Colin Beck, and Aiden Beck; brother, Richard (Jane) Johannsen; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Amidst our family tragedy, we found beauty in the community around us… already.

Bob valued his family above everything. It showed in his conversations and his involvement in the lives of each of his kids and grandkids. He believed that family meant sticking up for each other, supporting those around you, and being an advocate for those who couldn't do it for themselves. He passed these values, among many others, down to the next generations.

He knew the significance of friendships. If you were a friend, you knew his brilliant smile, firm handshake, and gift of gab. Bob was a talker and some knew it so well that if they were if in a hurry, they would run the other way… understandably so.

Bob was an encourager to all, whether you were a toddler, in high school, an elderly neighbor, or anyone in between. He was your biggest fan and his smile always reminded you of that fact. His encouragement extended to the genuine interest he had in others. He loved to connect through sharing stories, especially if it was an educational story or one that offered a history lesson. If only he knew the difference and impact he made to those lives he touched.

Bob had a gift of bringing joy to the people who came into his life. Whether it was a brief acquaintance or a life-long friend, he loved that laughter was contagious with the power it held. His colorful sense of humor could make anyone laugh.

He understood that laughter was life's best remedy, but more than that, he understood the importance of time well spent, especially when it involved family and friends. Those minutes were precious to him and never a waste.

Bob was always there with a helping hand and knew a helping hand meant more than showing up when needed. It was being there to celebrate accomplishments and providing encouragement even when it wasn't realized that it was needed.

There are many special memories of Bob such as his friendly wave with a big smile as you passed him on the road, his colorful sense of humor, the hearty laugh he delivered, and his way of making you feel right at home. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Toft Funeral Home, Wakeman Chapel, 16 Cooper Street, Wakeman. Burial will follow at Townsend Twp. Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to contribute to Bob's memory may do so to Townsend Fire Dept. or Western Reserve Boosters for the new track.

Condolences may be shared online at toftfuneralhome.com.