BLANCHARDVILLE/MONTICELLO - Robert Jerome Johnson, age 68 of Monticello, formerly of Blanchardville, died on Wednesday morning, June 17, 2009. He was born on January 20, 1941 in Blanchardville to Harold and Bonnie (Gilbertson) Johnson. He grew up in the Blanchardville area, went to the Bainbridge rural school, attended the Blanchardville High School, and was a member of the Blanchardville Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He farmed with his father, Harold and did custom farm work for area farmers. He worked at Swiss Colony, and later at Oaktron Industries, both in Monroe. He was married to Beverly Kae Frauchiger on November 3, 1962 in Browntown. They farmed together in rural Blanchardville. He also worked for a time for the Beeville Ice Cream Company in Blanchardville. Beverly died on March 4, 1988. He married Beverly Jeanne (Dauck) Roatch on July 10, 1993. Robert continued farming until 1996. He recently worked at the Swiss Colony Outlet Store in Monroe. Robert loved going dancing to old-time music. Robert was a master of bargain hunting, always finding a great deal on things. He also loved playing euchre and visiting people. He was a life-long member of the Blanchardville Lutheran Church.

Robert is survived by his wife, Beverly Johnson of Monticello; two children, Bradley Johnson of Dodgeville and Becky Johnson of Blanchardville; Bev's children, Tim Roatch of West Saint Paul, MN, Tom (Linda) Roatch of Sparta and Teresa (Steve) Patchak of Evansville; Bev's five shared grandchildren; four sisters, Colleen Pederson of Monroe, Helen (John) Cotherman of Monroe, Marilyn (Stanlee) Knudtson of Mount Horeb, and Barbara (Robert) Kittleson of Madison; four brothers, David (Debra) Johnson of Blanchardville, Jeffrey (Gay) Johnson of Blue Mounds, Marvin Johnson of Bellevue, Iowa and Gerald (Kathy Merrison) Johnson of Ridgeway; and a brother-in-law, Richard Dauck. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Beverly; a brother, Harold Jr. who died in 1999; Beverly's parents, her sister-in-law, and her daughter-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 22, 2009 at the Blanchardville Lutheran Church in Blanchardville. Rev. Mark Gruner assisted by intern Dave Nelsestuen of the Pecatonica Lutheran Parish will officiate. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville. Friends may call Sunday evening, June 21, 2009 from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the church. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.

Saether Funeral Home

Blanchardville, WI (608) 523-4247