Robert Steven Johnson of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, passed away on June 25, 2026 at the age of 84. He was born on April 24, 1942 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the son of Nicholas and Maria, who both immigrated to the United States from Greece, where they settled in Sheboygan.

Robert grew up with and remained close throughout his lifetime with his siblings: 6 sisters (Elaine, Joanne, Penelope, Aline, Louise & Patricia) and his younger brother (John).

Robert attended St. John’s Military Academy, an experience he credited with shaping his love of learning and ideas, and later attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he earned his undergraduate degree before earning his master’s degree in business administration at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.

On August 27, 1968, he married Karen Marie Martin in Sheboygan. The couple made their home in Sheboygan, where they raised their two children: Nicole and Nicholas.

Robert taught business at Lakeland College in Herman, Wisconsin for a number years before he took over the business of running his father’s movie theaters.

He spent the majority of his career in the movie theater business, where he was known for bringing first-run films to Sheboygan and the surrounding area, often ahead of larger markets statewide. Although, he owned and operated the Wisconsin Theater in Sheboygan for many years, he also renovated and revitalized theaters that he operated in Manitowoc and West Bend. He also sat on the Preservation Board of the Stephanie H. Weill Center for a number of years.

Movies were special to Robert and he took great care to make going to the movies a special experience for audiences. He would often create elaborate Halloween costume events, midnight screenings and double features that felt more like parties than a simple night at the cinema.

Beyond the movie theatres, Robert brought the emerging home entertainment industry to Sheboygan, owning and operating Sheboygan’s first video rental stores.

He was a lifelong fan of baseball and the Chicago Cubs, following them doggedly, and attending many games at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

He also coached the St. Spiridon Greek Orthodox church’s softball team who, it should be noted were actually soccer players with a fundamental non-understanding of the nature of the sport of softball – which spoke not only to his determination and patience, but also his sense of humor.

Robert enjoyed golf, frequently playing at Quit Qui Oc golf course in Elkhart Lake where he and his family shared a cottage. From the 1970s through the 1990s the extended Johnson clan would gather at the cottage, spending entire summers enjoying care-free, lakeside living.

Robert also loved skiing and spearheaded many family ski trips out West with his wife, children and frequently his siblings and their families as well.

Robert is survived by his wife, Karen, his children, Nicole and Nicholas, Nicholas’ spouse, Eliza, and his granddaughters, Luna & Kieran. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Nicholas & Maria, his brother John and his sisters Joanne & Penelope.

A time of sharing and celebration of Robert’s life will take place at Ballhorn Chapels, 1201 N. 8th St. in Sheboygan on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 p.m. until the time of sharing at the funeral home.