Richard L. Johnson, age 75, of Fort Calhoun, passed away July 4, 2024, at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Calhoun. Graveside services will follow in the Fort Calhoun Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, July 8, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Calhoun with a Rosary at 7 p.m.
Richard was born July 7, 1948, in Logan, Iowa, the son of Robert and Irene Johnson. Most of his childhood was spent in Missouri Valley. Later the family moved to Blair, and he attended Blair High School, graduating in 1966. After high school, he cooked at the Blair Marina for several years. He then started his career as a machinist. On Nov. 14, 1970, he was united in marriage to Nancy Smith in Woodbine, Iowa. The couple lived in Blair for a short time before making their permanent home in Fort Calhoun. Rich completed his apprenticeship in tool and die and remained in the field until his retirement in 2014. He was a long-time member of the Fort Calhoun Fire and Rescue Squad and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church where he was very active in the Pioneer Friends, annual fish frys and the Knights of Columbus. Rich also loved bass fishing and especially loved teaching his grandkids how to fish, and he enjoyed helping them with fishing tournaments. He also served his community, volunteering at the Washington County Museum. Rich’s most recent passion was taking road trips in his Corvette with his friends and going to car shows.
In 2007, Rich received a double transplant of a pancreas and kidney and has since been an advocate for organ donation in honor of his donor, Megan.
Rich is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters: Laurie (Matthew) Plowman, Amy (Mark) Gustafson; grandchildren: Jocelyn Plowman, Luke Gustafson; brother: Randy (Joan) Johnson; In-laws: Jim (Karen) Smith, Larry (Julie) Smith, Bob (Sharon) Smith, Mike (Joyce) Smith, David (Annie) Smith; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Diana Snavely.
Memorials may be directed to Live On Nebraska, the Fort Calhoun Knights of Columbus or the Fort Calhoun Fire and Rescue Squad.
Services provided by Campbell Aman Funeral Home, Blair. www.campbellaman.com
