Robert "Bob" Johannsen

Robert “Bob” Johannsen, 82, of Port Clinton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, in the compassionate care of Stein Hospice.

Born on April 8, 1943, in Port Clinton, Bob was the son of Harold and Bonajean (Lindner) Johannsen. He graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1961 and began his lifelong career as a pipefitter at the Ford Motor Company’s Sandusky plant on April 16, 1963. A proud and dedicated employee, Bob retired in 2002 after 39 years of service and was a loyal member of UAW Local 1216.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years, entering service on August 6, 1964, and earning the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. He was honorably discharged on July 26, 1968. A Vietnam War veteran, Bob spent three months off the coast of North Korea during the 1968 USS Pueblo incident. He served on the USS Ranger, an aircraft carrier.

On December 19, 1970, Bob married the love of his life, Sheila (Snider) Johannsen, who survives him. Together they shared nearly 55 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and adventure.

Bob was a man of many passions. An avid outdoorsman, he especially loved ice fishing and bow hunting for deer. In 2005, he earned membership in the Ohio Big Bucks Club with a remarkable buck measuring 151 5/8 inches. Bob was also a lifelong car enthusiast, known for his custom classics and hot rods. He took great pride in his 1934 Ford coupe and 1935 Ford pickup and was an active member of the GoodGuys Hot Rod Association and the National Street Rod Association.

He was also a member of the American Legion and VFW Post 2480, honoring his military roots and supporting fellow veterans.

Raised on a farm, Bob carried his love of farming throughout his life, even while working at Ford. He and Sheila loved traveling together, especially to the American West. They shared a deep fondness for the landscapes and history of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and South Dakota. Bob was particularly drawn to western and Plains Indian history and made several visits to the Little Bighorn Battlefield, a site that fascinated him deeply.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sheila Johannsen; children, Todd (Stacey) Johannsen and Gretchen Beck; grandchildren, Regan Beck, Peyton Beck, and Aubrey Johannsen; brothers, Gary (Christine) and Rick (Judy) whom he shared the same birthday with, but 15 years apart; sister, Judy (Mike) Pacione; step-grandchildren, Michael and Lexi Mitchell; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dennis, in infancy.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home, 216 Washington Street, Port Clinton, Ohio. A funeral ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 11:00am in the funeral home chapel, with an hour of visitation prior. Interment will follow at Catawba Island Cemetery with American Legion Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob’s honor may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Back to the Wild in Castalia, Ohio.