Robert E. Johnston, 77, Marshfield, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Marshfield Medical Center surrounded in love by his family.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Rembs Funeral Home (Marshfield) followed by military rites conducted by VFW Post 6352 – Stratford and celebration of life at Rembs Celebration Center.
Robert was born on April 27, 1947 in Minneapolis, MN to Robert and Mary Jane (Comer) Johnston. He graduated from DeLaSalle High School and then from Orthopedic PA school, beginning his career in Naperville, IL. He moved to Marshfield, WI in 1977 and began working at the Marshfield Clinic in Orthopedics. He married Judy (Rennhack) Garrels on December 31, 1988 in Marshfield.
He grew up duck hunting with his father and shared many fond memories. He enjoyed goose, deer, grouse and turkey hunting, as well as shooting sporting clays and golfing. He sailed his 420 and Flying Scott on Lake Dubay and belonged to its Sailing Club, achieving Commodore status. He was active in Midstate Aeroguidance Club (Marshfield) and 1st Squadron, 1st Calvary Club (New Glarus). He served in the US Army from Dec’67 to Jan’70 and was a medic in Vietnam on an armored unit, receiving 3 purple hearts, 1 silver star and 2 bronze stars, emblems and badges. Many of his Vietnam photos are displayed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. He loved space and technology—his first computer was the Commodore 64! His children fondly remember the floppy disks, joysticks, and perforated printer paper.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, children, Ryan (Jennifer) of Fargo, ND, Jessica Garrels of Grand Ledge, MI, Ali (Bud) of Duluth, MN, and Samantha Garrels of Champlin, MN, and grandchildren, Ethan, Leif, George, and Acy.
He is further survived by his sister, Nancy Russ—St. Paul, MN, brother, Chris (Pam) Johnston—Colfax, WI, and sister-in-law, Laurie (Bob) Hoffman—Park Falls, WI.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Dave (Sue) Rennhack.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Marshfield Medical Center CCU staff and doctors, and palliative care doctor and staff, notably Kris NP.
Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com.
Author: News Desk
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