January 27, 2022 at 11:46 a.m.
Richard "Dick" Johnson
Richard "Dick" Johnson
Dick was a Korean War veteran. He was sent back to the front lines for the second time shortly after recovering from being wounded. He earned the ranking of Sergeant (T) and was awarded: Service Medal w/3 Bronze Stars; Combat Infantry Badge; Presidential Unit Citation; Purple Heart. The toll of war would have a lasting effect on Dick's life going forward. He hardly ever talked about it, but with dementia taking hold in these last years of his life that toll became more evident, as he experienced some of the horrors all over again.
Family was very important to Dick. He was extremely proud of his family. He married Diane Rhyner in 1954 and together they raised three children, Gail, Russ and Rick. He instilled a great work ethic in his children, as well as the importance of family bonds.The family moved from Milwaukee to Rhinelander in 1972. Dick was a Master Plumber, and he worked alongside his son Russ to build a successful business (Dick Johnson, Inc).
He and Diane enjoyed traveling. They also lived on and off in Florida for a time, which Dick really enjoyed. The grandkids enjoyed a lot of Disney outings, and have fond memories of swimming at the pools in Lady Lake where Dick and Diane lived.
He was very accomplished in the kitchen. His smoked turkeys were second to none! He made the best homemade potato sausage, and along with Diane canned many foods. His homemade pickles set the standard, and rarely could be beat.
Dick is survived by his daughter Gail (Eric) Bowman and daughter-in-law Cheryl Johnson; his grandchildren JJ (Cathy), Eric (Michelle) and Nick (Sarah) Bowman, Scott (Jessica), Curt and Brooke (Jake) Johnson, Chad (Annie) Johnson and Nichole (Jason) Bach; his great-grandchildren: Ashton, Riley, Paytn, Myah, Ellie, Mason and Hannah Bowman; Logan, Remus, Matthew, Michael, and Bella Johnson; Malaya Bach and Jada Sharkey; his great-great-grandchildren Alayna and Kennedy, and his former daughter-in-law Debbie (Johnson) Petrowski. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane, and his two sons, Russ Johnson and Rick Johnson.
"There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart."(Gandhi)
Many thanks and so much gratitude for the special caregivers on Friendly Village's memory care wing who cared for my dad these the past few years. You are truly appreciated and very valued!
There will be no formal services. Dick will be laid to rest at the Northwoods National Veterans Cemetery in Harshaw. Diane will be laid to rest along with him. Please consider donating to Alzheimers Association and/or the Disabled Veterans fund, in his name. You may leave your private condolences for the Johnson family at www.carlsonfh.com.
The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Johnson family.
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