Richard Johnson

Dick Johnson left us peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at BeeHive Memory Care, with his devoted wife of 58 years, Sharlean, by his side.

Born on January 20, 1946, in Eau Claire, WI, Dick spent his entire life in the area. He and Sharlean lived in their family home between Altoona and Fall Creek for 50 years, becoming well-known and loved by all. His kind heart, good nature, and sense of humor touched everyone he met, and he continued to charm right up until the end.

Dick leaves behind his loving wife, Sharlean; children Richard Johnson Jr. (Renae) and Dawn Wells (Tim); grandchildren Rebecca, Mitchel, Madison, Dylan, Abigail, Caleb, Faith, and their significant others; siblings Bonnie Rudie (Dave), Kathleen Nelson (Randy), Don Johnson (Laura), and Diane Haag; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Helga Johnson; his father and mother-in-law, Gene and Louise Hering; his sister-in-law, LuAnne Johnson; his sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Riley Connell; his niece, Cindy Bergh; and other loved ones who were waiting to greet him in heaven.

Dick proudly served his country in the Air Force and went on to have a long, successful career as an Automotive Manager at Sears and Roebuck. Early in his life, he was active in the Lion's Club and a member of the Altoona VFW.

Family and friends will remember Dick for his love of the outdoors-whether fishing, hunting, or simply tending to his yard, which was always meticulously groomed. He took great pride in his work and was always the first to lend a helping hand to family, friends, neighbors, or even strangers. On warm summer nights, you could often find him by the pool, listening to his favorite classic country tunes with a cold beer in hand-though, in his later years, he gave that up and instead enjoyed his favorite lounge chair and The Price is Right with a Caffeine Free Diet Coke, always with a pack of gum and a handful of mints close by.

Dick had a special way of connecting with his grandchildren, who will always cherish the sweet memories of him-from the smell of his cherry pipe tobacco to his willingness to drop everything and help with anything that needed fixing.

He was a man of a few words but you knew he loved you when he would ask, "How's your car running?" "Have you checked the oil?" "Have you tried your snowblower yet?" and "Watch for deer." He never hesitated to show up with his tools to lend a hand, his love and kindness always speaking louder than words.

Dick often said, "Tough to be gumble," "Hosn gorta," and "Mange takk," reflecting his proud Norwegian heritage. Though he may be gone, Dick's memory, his laughter, and his big heart will live on in the stories we share and the lives he touched.

Dick didn't want anything formal, and per his wishes, there will be no traditional funeral service. Instead, a Celebration of Life will take place from 11-2 Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Stokes Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S Hillcrest Pkwy, Altoona. From 11-1:30, we'll have time to visit and share stories over a light lunch. Guests can come and go. Starting at 1:30pm we'll gather and be seated with Military Honors starting at 1:45pm followed by a Time of Remembrance. In lieu of flowers, Dick's family requests donations be made to the Altoona VFW Post 10405 or The Dementia Society of America https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.