Robert Johnson

Johnson, Robert (Bob) passed away November 9, 2021, after complications from his severe car accident, at the age of 81. Loving father of Michelle, Scott (Tina), and Jay (Whitney). Proud grandfather of Chloe, Hailey, Lucas, Alaina, Maston, and Anders. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy, and his daughter, Jill. Bob was a dedicated Jr. High and High School teacher and coach, who continued to remain active coaching youth sports up until his car accident this fall. In his long coaching career, he coached his children and grandchildren. In 1973, Bob began coaching the South Milwaukee boys' tennis team until 2003, even while pursuing his master's degree. Bob started coaching the girls' tennis teams in 1977. At that time, the team had grown from 12 to 80 girls. He coached every season, including this past season of 2021! His work with the girls' team brought many successes including qualifying for the state tournament several times. Bob served as a volunteer coach many of those years when SM had budget cuts and he never missed a day of working with the team. Bob was a founding member of the South Suburban Milwaukee Community Tennis Association. He served on the board, he also wrote and taught the tennis lessons and activities for groups of players aged 4 to 14. He also taught tennis lessons every summer for the Rocket Camps for tennis players grades 8 – 12. In 2005, Bob was inducted into the Wisconsin High School Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame for his constant work and dedication to the training and coaching of high school athletes. Bob was a USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) member and published articles for their journal. Bob's dedication to children extended to attending his grandchildren's extracurricular activities at every opportunity he had. Bob was also involved in several clubs for many years. He was an active member of the Milwaukee Investment Group since the beginning of 1980, including serving as Chairman. Bob was on the founding board of the South Suburban Milwaukee Community Tennis Association. Bob was also a member of the Men's Golf Club League at Grant Park since 2012. Bob and Nancy enjoyed traveling, visiting many of the National Parks across the country. They took their children on a tour through the middle of the country hitting the St. Louis Arch, Rocky Mountain National Park, Mount Rushmore and the Badlands National Park. In recent years, they traveled out to California stopping at Arches, Bryce and Zion National Parks. They also became snowbirds in their retirement, visiting Florida for February and March most years. And they never passed up the opportunity to stop at a casino. Visitation will be held at the Molthen Bell Funeral Home in South Milwaukee (700 Milwaukee Ave, South Milwaukee, WI 53172), on Wednesday from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Memorial service to follow at 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob's name to the South Milwaukee Girls Tennis or South Suburban Milwaukee Community Tennis Association are greatly appreciated.