Robert J. “Bob” “Bubba” Johnsen
Robert J. “Bob” “Bubba” Johnsen
Robert J. “Bob” “Bubba” Johnsen, 86, of Beatrice, passed away Sunday morning, March 8, 2026, at Bryan East Medical Center in Lincoln. He was born August 19, 1939, in Beatrice to William and Grace (Wallman) Johnsen. Bob graduated from Beatrice High School and later attended Wartburg College. On December 31, 1969, he married Donna Doehler at Holy Cross Church in Beatrice. Bob served for a short time in the Nebraska Air National Guard. Throughout his working years, Bob was employed by Schottler Manufacturing, served as a workshop supervisor at the Martin Lutheran Home, and later worked for Cominco, Natural Gas Pipeline, and Storecraft before returning to Ratigan-Schottler. Bob was a member of the Bitting-Norman Post #27 of American Legion, American Legion Riders and Southwood Lutheran Church, Lincoln and was a former member of the Homestead Harmonizers and the church choir. He enjoyed greeting at church and providing motorcycle escorts and flag lines for fallen veterans. Bob loved riding his Harley, delivering Meals on Wheels, camping, and watching and caring for pets, squirrels, and birds. He was an avid Husker fan and was also a talented horseshoe pitcher and bowler.
Survivors include his wife, Donna Johnsen of Beatrice; sons, Thomas (Molly) Johnsen of Hastings and Dr. Russell (Lisa) Johnsen of West Linn, OR; grandchildren, Arwen and Tarek Johnsen of West Linn, OR; brothers-in-law, Roger Duitsman of Pickrell and, David (Caryn) Doehler of Northville, Ml; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Grace (Wallman) Johnsen; sister, Marlene Duitsman, parents-in-law, Gerhard and Helen Doehler; brother-in-law, Howard Doehler, sister-in-law, Laurel Doehler
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Holy Cross Church of Beatrice with Pastor Heidi Binstock officiating. A family prayer service will be at 10:15 A.M. at the church on Friday. Interment will be at the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Pickrell. The casket will be closed and there will be no viewing. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the American Legion Riders and Southwood Lutheran Church, Lincoln. www.foxfuneralhome.net. Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Beatrice.