Robert “Gene” E. Johnson, 79, of Lehigh Acres, Florida, and formerly of Hatfield and
Black River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away at his home on Sunday, November 1, 2026,
following a brief illness.
Gene was born on October 29, 1947, in Rockford, Illinois, to Robert E. and Barbara
(Swanson) Johnson. He graduated from West High School in Rockford in 1965. Shortly after,
on September 17, 1966, Gene married Jill Suzanne Richards. Together, they recently
celebrated a remarkable 60 years of marriage.
Gene began his career at the Amerock Corporation in Rockford before relocating his
family to Black River Falls, Wisconsin, in 1977. He owned and operated Quality Electric
for many years. He later joined the Trane Company in La Crosse, Wisconsin, from
which he retired in 2005. Retirement, however, was simply a new chapter for Gene. He
and Jill went on to purchase and operate The Mug in Hatfield, Wisconsin, forming a
warm community space for friends, old and new. After transitioning to the sunshine of
Florida, Gene brought his lifelong expertise and friendly nature to a part-time role at the
Home Depot in Fort Myers, where he worked until his passing.
Known for his work ethic, Gene will be remembered by his generous heart and
generosity. He poured that love into helping raise his first grandson, Adam. Gene was
always concerned about others. Even in his final days, he was busy giving his visiting
Hospice caregivers’ practical advice on how to save money on lumber.
Gene was a proud member of the VFW and the American Legion in Lehigh Acres. He
was a passionate fisherman who cherished many trips to Canada with family and
friends—and even shared the secret location of one of his favorite Black River fishing
holes with his daughter, Sheila. He loved playing euchre, sharing laughs, and was a
dedicated, lifelong fan of both the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs.
He is survived by his wife, Jill Johnson, and his special cat, Shotzy, of Lehigh
Acres, FL; his daughter, Sheila (John) Edie of Black River Falls, WI; his mother, Barbara
Foster of Rockford, IL; his brother, David Johnson (Larry Young) of Rockford, IL; and his
sister-in-law, Marlene Johnson of Rockford, IL. He also leaves behind six grandchildren,
three great-grandchildren, and a large, extended family of relatives and close friends.
Gene was preceded in death by his daughter, Carmen Klassen; his father, Robert E.
Johnson; his stepfather, Dale Foster; his father- and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Norma
Richards; his brothers, Randall Johnson and Dennis Johnson; his sister, Kathleen Weaver;
and his special cat, Spooky.
Celebrations of Life
In both locations, family and friends are welcome to gather, share their favorite stories,
and celebrate Gene and his remarkable life.
Florida Celebration of Life
Sunday, November 29, 2026
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The VFW
Lehigh Acres, Florida
Wisconsin Celebration of Life
Saturday, December 5, 2026
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Mug
Hatfield, Wisconsin
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