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 Store Kraft 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. He 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 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 an, David (Caryn) Doehler of Northville, MI; 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.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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