RICHARD H. JOHNSON

RICHARD H. JOHNSON

     Richard H. Johnson, 92, passed away in hospice care in Zephyrhills, FL, Nov. 6, 2024. He was born in Montgomery, AL, April 19, 1932, to Clarence and Angeline Johnson and was raised for seven years in Sandy Plans near Millston. They then moved to Merrillan, where he attended and graduated from Lincoln High School, the first class to graduate from the newly consolidated Lincoln High. He joined the navy in 1951 and married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Cummings, in 1952. They lived in Norfolk, VA, where he served on the USS Amphion. After the service, the couple moved to La Crosse, where Richard attended technical school. They then moved back to Merrillan where he had his own Texaco Station, worked for Gross Chevrolet, Presto, Federation Co-op and his final years as a salesman for TriMart.

     Richard was a volunteer driver for the VA and social services for 25 years.

     He is survived by his wife, Gloria; daughter Sally (Tony) Van Lanen; and son Wade; granddaughters Mary Johnson (Liam) and Christen (Scotty) Canda; great-grands Analleigh and Sawyer Canda; brother- and sister-in-law Larry and Betty Janke; brother-in-law Roger Cummings; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Angeline Johnson, in-laws Wilbur and Helen Cummings, Larry Cummings and Ray and Joyce Grunlien; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

     He enjoyed cars, especially his Mercurys, was a snowmobile safety instructor and sold snowmobiles. He enjoyed camping with his family and wintering in Florida. He was a loving and caring person, always ready to help someone.

     A memorial service is being held for Richard June 28, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Alma Center. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. with the service at 11 a.m.