Robert William Johnstone

Johnstone, Robert William 75, died Saturday, January 14, 2017, at his home in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, of COPD with his wife at his side. He leaves his wife of 45 years, Judith Miller Johnstone; his daughter, Jennifer Johnstone (spouse Jim Newberry); his son, Thomas Johnstone; and his beloved golden retriever, Annie. A native of Hartford, Connecticut, Robert was the son of William and Josephine Staron Johnstone. As a child he contracted polio and endured iron lung treatment, but recovered fully to be a talented athlete, playing baseball and basketball at East Hartford High School. As a young person he worked in printing, and as a tool and die apprentice for Pratt & Whitney, eventually attending the University of Wisconsin in Madison to study creative writing. Robert was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He served in the Army from 1965-67 in Germany and Vietnam, where he was a combat medic with the rank of Specialist Second Class. After returning to Madison he met his wife, Judith Miller, at Paisan's Restaurant where they were both employed. Following work as a surgical assistant, Robert completed an accounting degree at Madison Business College and began work for John Deere Information Systems as a modernization consultant. This position, which he held for 18 years in the Twin Cities and then the Madison area, required long hours and frequent travel. His job involved computers and the early Internet, and he brought home an enthusiasm for new technology. In his spare time Robert also enjoyed woodworking and built furniture for his children and the home. A lifelong avid reader, Robert was well-versed in history and classic literature. He was an audiophile and lover of music, especially classical and jazz, having played piano as a young person. Robert had a passion for baseball and maintained a sharp memory for the sport's history and statistics, and was also an expert cribbage player. Robert loved animals and enjoyed the company of many pets over the years, including several dogs, a cat, birds and guinea pigs. Known to all as a gentleman and a kind soul, he was also tough as nails and worked tirelessly to provide for his family. A private ceremony was held Friday, with a future celebration of life planned for family and friends. Donations may be made in Robert's name to National Public Radio or the Dane County Humane Society. Condolences: CressFuneralService.com

Published on January 22, 2017