Robert C. Johnson, 82, of Niles died at 9:28 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph, following an illness.

He was born April 24, 1927 in Niles to Curtis and Mable (Ross) Johnson, and graduated from Niles High School.

He joined the United States Army, serving in World War II in the Medical Corps in France and Germany. He was then employed by the former New York Central Railroad, working in Niles and Elkhart for 40 years, and retiring from its successor, the former Penn Central.

Bob lived for many years in Sturgis, Mich. and Leesburg, Fla. before returning to Niles in 2008.

He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Niles. He enjoyed golfing in Florida, and traveled internationally with his wife.

He married Betty M. Decker on May 23, 1948. Bob and Betty celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this year.

Bob is survived by his wife, Betty, and their children, Robert S. (Gail) Johnson of Spring Grove, Ill., and Catherine (Michael) McKee of Whitefish Bay, Wis.; grandchildren, Melissa (Brent) Tischler, Katie (Mike) Tacchella; Jeremiah (Jennie) Johnson, Joseph Johnson, and Kristin (Gus) Schmid; great-grandchildren, twins Ava and Ryan Tischler. Isabella and Addison Johnson, and Holly and Brianna Schmid; Bob’s sisters, Donna Farrell and Dorothy Moore, both of Niles; and several nieces and nephews.

Services for Robert C. Johnson were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28, 2009 at Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Edwards H. Slate of the church officiating, and concluded with the veteran’s flag presentation by American Legion Post 26, Niles.

The family received relatives and friends at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Monday.
Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.