Robert L. Johnston

Robert L. Johnston, 59 of Devils Lake formerly of Rolla, ND passed away on Monday, May 20, 2019 at his home in Devils Lake in the loving care of his family and Altru Hospice. 

Robert Lynn Johnston was born on January 8, 1960 at Rolette, ND the son of Lorry and Mary Lou (Hefter) Johnston. He grew up in Rolla, starting school there.  He graduated from Bottineau High School with the class of 1979. 

Robert was a hard-working, multi-talented, “Jack of all Trades” kind of guy. He learned many of his skills working with his Dad on motors, small engines, air conditioning, you name it-they were determined to fix it. 

Robert worked for a time at Nichols Ford Motor in Rolla as an auto mechanic and also on small engines. His skills as a mechanic and machinist were in demand when he was employed with Rugby Manufacturing and also at the Cando Noodle Plant. He had a love for farming too, and worked for several years on Bromberg Farms with Claude Evans.  For the past 20 years, Robert was a Star Route Mail Carrier in the Lake Region area. 

Robert was “Mr. Fix It.” He was always tinkering with anything that had a motor. He did a lot of “horse trading” with his buddies to get the certain part he needed or just something he thought he might like to have.  He was an avid fisherman, loved camping and so treasured spending time with his grandchildren. They were his pride and joy.

Robert and Lori Swanson were proud parents of children Sandra, Melissa and Jade. Robert and Sandra Delong were proud parents of son Woodrow.

Robert was united in marriage to Destiney Bingham on April 18, 2019 and felt so blessed to have her in his life for these past several years and with great love in his heart made her his wife just over a month ago.

Robert, loving husband, Dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and dear friend may you rest in God’s peace.

Robert is survived by his loving family. His wife Destiney; children and grandchildren Sandra Johnston, Melissa Johnston, Jade (Josh) Johnston and her children Cooper and Carson Dahm and Woodrow “Woody” Malaterre and his son Ayden Berg; siblings Roger Johnston, St. John, ND, Susan Hamley and Carol Bravebull both of Rolla, ND, Dennis (Star) Johnston, Rock Lake, ND and Betty (Darren) Desjarlais, Grafton, ND; many niece and nephews; mother-in-law and father-in-law Geraldine and Jolly Ekhator and brother-in-law Zachary Morrison and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Hope; brother Kenneth “Jack” Johnston and sister Barbra Johnston.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 24, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Steven Wirth celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, May 23^rd from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. with a time of prayer and sharing at 3:00 p.m.  Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass.

Graveside Services for Robert will be on Friday, May 24, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Rolla, ND. Friends and family welcome. 

Casket Bearers will be Roger Johnston, Dennis Johnston, Stephan Desjarlais, Steven Johnson, Bruce Johnson, R.J. Houle, Andy Hamley and Samuel DeCoteau.