Robert Charles Johnson

Robert Charles Johnson, age 91, passed away peacefully Friday August 22, 2025. Bob was born February 13, 1934 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Forrest and Emma Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Thomas Wines; mother-in-law, Catherine (Wines) Keeler and her husband Jack Keeler; sister and brother-in-law, Geri and Jim Jansma; brother-in-law, Tom Wines; daughter-in-law, Carol Johnson; grandson, Matthew Johnson; grandson, Samuel Johnson; and his best four-legged friend, “Toby." He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Sally; their children Mike Johnson, Pat (Denise) Johnson, Dan (Kelly) Johnson, Kathie (Bill) Burke, Terry (Julie) Johnson, Rob (Lynne) Johnson, Andy (Sue) Johnson, Meg (Mike) Welch, and Jennie (Brent) Tallon; 23 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren (plus one on the way); sister-in-law, Sister Maureen Keeler OP; as well as many nephews, nieces, and friends.

Bob attended Lee Public Schools where he graduated with the class of '51. Throughout his early years he played many sports, but his true passion was always baseball. He played football and baseball at Lee High School and then baseball for many summers after, in the Grand Rapids City Majors League. After this, he became involved in youth athletics officiating junior varsity / varsity football and basketball for 30 years, sponsoring and coaching numerous baseball and softball teams in the Grandville Little League, and being involved with the Grand Rapids Track Club. Eventually, he became just another fan and proud father as he watched all nine of his children play a variety of sports at Grandville High School during their careers; he also watched his precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren play on their sports teams along with their other activities. He was a longtime fan of the Michigan State Spartans, Go Green! He loved the game of golf and enjoyed the years playing with his buddies at Sunnybrook CC, and especially his annual trips up north and out to Vegas. He had many dear friends through the game of golf. He, along with Sally, also loved hosting their kids and their families up at their summer home in Pentwater, where a lifetime of memories were made.

Bob and Sally were married June 19, 1954, and started raising their children in the city of Wyoming before he took a job with Enterprise Tool and Die and moved the growing family to Grandville in 1965. He eventually purchased the company along with his two business partners Russ Wiersma and Frank Huizenga. Throughout his years with the company, he gained significant respect for the talents, dedication, and friendships made with colleagues and whenever asked to discuss his and the company’s successes, he always pointed to the many people with whom he was blessed to work!

He volunteered time with the Grandville Parks and Recreation Committee, co-chairing the first three Fourth of July parades and served on the Grandville Board of Education for 22 years, five of which as president. Because of his untiring service and commitment to the Grandville community and its schools, Bob was awarded the Grandville Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Person of the Year in 1993.

Bob and Sally have been members of St. Pius X Catholic Parish since moving to Grandville. Throughout the years, they have been actively involved with St. Pius X, the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, Grandville Education Foundation, and MSU athletics.

Bob truly aligned himself with the proverb, “Actions speak louder than words,” which meant that what people do is a more reliable indicator of their true attitudes and intentions than what they say. The world needs more Bob Johnsons.

Per his wishes, Bob has been cremated at Rosedale Memorial Park, 50 Lake Michigan Dr. Walker, MI 49544, where he will later be laid to rest.

Visitation will take place from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, immediately followed by the Rosary. There will also be a visitation from 10-11 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2025 at St. Pius X Catholic Parish, 3937 Wilson Ave. SW Grandville, MI 49418, followed by Mass at 11 a.m.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the many friends who have reached out to us with many thoughts and prayers. They would also like to give a special thanks to Dr. Andrew Stanley, his primary physician, and to the many doctors who have cared for Bob these past few years, as well as to the amazing staffs at Grand Village Assisted Living and Faith Hospice who provided compassionate care for him during his final three weeks.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Grandville Education Foundation, Grandville Robotics, or to an organization of your choice. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.