Richard Johnson

Richard M. Johnson, age 77, Browns Valley, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025, in his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, March 27, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Browns Valley with Father John Paul Knopik officiating. Music will be provided by pianist Carmen Hills and vocalists Sue Sykora and Stacey Borgheiinck.

Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, Browns Valley.

Visitation will be Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church.

Richard Merlyn Johnson was born on August 20, 1947, to Merlyn and Mildred (Wilm) Johnson in Graceville, MN. He attended school in Browns Valley and graduated in 1966. Shortly after graduation, he moved to the Twin Cities where he was employed at different sites as a laborer. In the mid '80s, Richard met Renee and her son Dean. The two were married June 21, 1986. In 1988, he adopted Dean as his own, and the same day they found out they were pregnant with Keith who was born in 1989. In 2004, Richard and Renee were divorced.

Richard loved helping the Boy Scouts, tending to his gardens, and fishing. In the mid-2000s (07-08), he moved back to Browns Valley where he assisted his mother, Mildred, until her passing. His love for the Church was no secret, as he spent a lot of time cleaning, praying, and attending weekly Mass. He really enjoyed meeting new people and sharing the town's history while at the Browns Valley Historical Society. He was involved with the food shelf and always at the local fish fry handing you your plate with a big smile on his face. You could always count on Richard to lend a helping hand. He had a little sidekick he adored, Jojo, a brown wiener dog that went everywhere with him.

Richard is survived by his two sons, Dean (Christel) Johnson and Keith (Brooke Jundt) Johnson; five granddaughters and five grandsons; brothers, Jerry (Diane) Johnson, Don (Glenda) Johnson, and Steve Johnson; sisters, Peggy (Gerald) Heck and Patty Blegen.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Merlyn and Mildred; baby sister, Mary; and goddaughter, Jenna Heck.