Mr. Robert ""Bob"" Eugene Johnson, Sr., I
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Robert's obituary
In Loving Memory of
Robert E. “Bob” Johnson, Sr.
August 25, 1955 – October 23, 2025
East Peoria, Illinois
Robert E. “Bob” Johnson, Sr., devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on October 23, 2025, in Galesburg, Illinois. Though he passed away at a nursing home where he was receiving rehabilitation care following his stay at OSF Hospital, Bob was a lifelong resident of East Peoria, Illinois, the place he proudly called home.
He was born to Thomas Lee Johnson and Helen Irene Martin, who taught him the values of hard work, kindness, and devotion to family. He graduated from Metamora High School in 1973. He later earned his Truck Driving Certificate from Illinois Central College (ICC) and was proud of that accomplishment. Though rheumatoid arthritis eventually kept him from pursuing a career on the road, he never lost his love for driving, working with his hands, and learning new skills.
Bob married Jean Elaine Ulrich in December 1978, and together they had two children, Bonnie (Mark) Meinders of Washington, IL, and Robert E. Johnson, Jr. (Jessica) of East Peoria, IL. He later married Brenda Sue Peacock (Johnson), and together they built a life filled with love, shared memories, and family. Through this marriage, he gained three stepsons — Randy Lloyd of Edwards, IL; Nathan Good of East Peoria, IL; and Jason Good of Yates City, IL — all of whom he deeply cared for.
He was a proud grandfather to Jeannie Schroppel, Kaylynn Jording, Aren Jording, Robert Johnson III, Phoebe Johnson, and Piper Lloyd, and a great-grandfather to Atticus Schroppel and Evelyn Johnson.
Bob is also survived by his siblings Thomas Johnson of East Peoria, IL; Bonnie (Ron) Master of Pekin, IL; his half-siblings Charles (Brenda) Carmichael of Hampton, IL; Tina (Keith) Wilson of Metamora, IL; Billy (Lara) Johnson of Marietta, GA; and Michelle (Scott) Hicks of Peoria Heights, IL; his stepbrother Ronnie Freres of Spring Bay, IL; and Jacki Carmichael of Peoria, IL, wife of his late brother Richard Carmichael.
He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Bob and will carry fond memories of his laughter, kindness, and sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his half-siblings, Richard A. Carmichael and Nancy Helen Carmichael (Williams); his stepbrothers, Denny Freres and Mike Freres; his first wife, Jean Elaine Ulrich; and his two beloved chihuahuas, Pandora and Mr. Noodle.
Bob was truly a jack of all trades — known for his ability to fix or build just about anything. He managed the Brand Service Center before it closed and even built his own home — a lasting reflection of his skill and determination.
He cared deeply for his mother and lovingly looked after her until her passing in 2015. Bob loved spending time with his family and cherished the large cookouts and hog roasts around his birthday each year — traditions that remain fond memories for all who attended. He especially loved fishing trips with his grandchildren, where he shared stories, laughter, and life lessons along the water. He had a passion for oldies music, often singing along to his favorite songs, especially those that reminded him of his youth.
Bob faced his health challenges with strength and resilience, showing the same determination in his final months that he carried throughout his life.
He will be remembered for his kind heart, steady presence, and the love and guidance he gave to his family.
As his daughter wrote:
“I love you! You mean the world to me. I wouldn’t be who I am today without your guidance — neither would my children. You helped me through thick and thin, loved me no matter what, and taught me what strength looks like, what love feels like, and how to laugh even when life is hard. You’re one of a kind and so loved.”
A Celebration of Life will be held and announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation in honor of Bob’s courageous battle with rheumatoid arthritis.
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