Archived Services

Robert "Bob" Johnston
06-07-2021

On Monday, June 7, 2021, Robert Dean Johnston, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at the spry age of 93 in Denver, CO. 

Bob was born on June 20, 1927, in Sioux Falls, SD, to Halbert and Mary Katherine (Mae) Johnston. He had five older siblings; Helen, Albert (Sherm), Vince, Rachel, Dwayne (Jack) and Virginia. Bob grew up on the north end of town and was a proud graduate of Cathedral High School. Always light on his feet, Bob was a skilled hockey player and an even better dancer. He could often be found on the ice during the day and at the dance hall at night, though if you missed him on the dance floor, you could see him on the stage where he was a talented standard bass player.

Bob was a proud veteran of the Army, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant. Following his service, he attended South Dakota State University where he studied Engineering. Bob returned to Sioux Falls and began a 33-year career with John Morrell. On December 27, 1952, he married the love of his life, Loretto Volin Johnston. Over their more than 68 years of marriage, they welcomed eight beautiful children into the world. 

Bob had a passion for life and certainly lived his to the fullest. An avid sportsman, fish, and pheasant quivered at the sight of him, and no fairway or putting green stood a chance. While he enjoyed traveling the world, he was just as content sharing an ice-cold Guinness and good conversation out on his patio at home. He loved jazz music, his dogs, and a good game of cards, though none of these came close to his love of family. Bob had an infectious smile and a kind, compassionate spirit that could put anyone at ease. 

Bob was preceded in death by his father, Halbert, his mother, Mary Catherine, his siblings, his son, Michael Dean, and his grandson, Jeremiah. He is survived by his wife Loretto, seven children, Laura Johnston, Bob Johnston (Ann), Ann Purdy, Catherine Culshaw (Peter), Patricia Goergen (Jeff), Mary Farris (Chris), & Steve Johnston, 17 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Humane Society in Bob’s name.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 15, 5:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a Rosary qt 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, 10:30 AM at St. Mary Church with burial to follow at St. Michael Cemetery.