Richard Johnson

Richard “Dick” Frederick Johnson was a veteran of Vietnam, a beloved Husband, Dad and Grandpa, and had a passion for fireworks. At the age of 64, he went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 14, 2013 at the VA Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa.
Richard was born July 8, 1949 in Morrison, Illinois, the son of Evert Hans and Clarice Louisa (Ott) Johnson. He grew up on a farm near Argo Fay and loved spending time in the nearby woods mushroom hunting. In 1970, Richard enlisted in the Army Infantry, serving two tours during the Vietnam War. On July 8, 1977, Richard married Brenda Jean Diercks in Mt. Carroll.

Richard’s life was full of challenge as he had lost a leg from a motorcycle accident in 1978. “He was strong-willed and could do anything he put his mind to do.” For his wife, Brenda, “he was her rock, loving and caring.” His grandchildren were the light of his life. He spent time working on his hobby of fireworks and was a natural artist. Richard was a member of the Argo Fay United Methodist Church. He was also a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, the NRA and the Pyrotechnics Guild International.
Richard will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Brenda; his son, Michael (Rachel) Johnson of Sterling, Illinois; three granddaughters, Ericka, Jennie and Maggie; his great granddaughter, Isabella “Bella”; two brothers, David (Pat) Johnson of North Bay, Ontario Canada, and Dennis (Kathy) Johnson of Tucson, Arizona; his sister, Anita (Paul) Stoddard of Sun City, Arizona; special friends, Ted (Jeri) Kastner of Mineral Point, Wisconsin; four nieces; and three nephews. Richard is preceded in death by both parents and two sisters at birth.
A memorial service will be held 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 20, 2013 at the United Methodist Church of Argo Fay. A memorial gathering will be held one hour prior to the service from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 20, 2013 at the Church. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date in the Upper York Cemetery, Argo Fay. A memorial fund has been established in his memory.