RICHARD JOHNSON

Richard “Dick” Roger Johnson, age 80, of Rush City, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Regions Hospital in St. Paul on August 24, 2025.

Dick was born August 27, 1944, to Roger and Evelyn (Lind) Johnson in Rush City, MN. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Laverne (Vondrasek), and together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage, raising two children, Brian and Heidi.

Family was at the center of Dick’s life. Early years were filled with motorcycle trips across the U.S., family vacations, trips to NASCAR races and countless fishing trips to Island Lake in Northome, MN. Eventually, the family purchased a cabin in Northome, where Dick created lasting memories with his children and grandchildren fishing, four-wheeling, and enjoying the outdoors.

A hard worker and a dedicated provider, Dick worked as a package delivery driver for UPS for more than 30 years before retiring at the age of 51. Retirement allowed him to fully embrace his passions — especially his love for cars. From participating in demolition derbies in his younger years to restoring a 1933 Ford, Dick’s enthusiasm for cars never faded. He and Laverne spent many years traveling to car shows, and Dick eventually fulfilled a lifelong dream by owning several Corvettes. His most recent, an electric blue 2023 Corvette with the personalized plate SNOSUXS, was a source of great pride and joy.

Above all, Dick cherished his role as “Grandpa.” His greatest joy came from his grandchildren, Brayden and Bryleigh, and he loved sharing stories about them with friends over morning coffee.

Dick will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his love for fishing, his love for family, and the laughter and sarcasm he brought to all who knew him. In every ripple of a fishing line and every quiet puzzle piece set in place, his children and grandchildren will find him close at heart.

May the Corvette always have an open road, and the fish always be biting.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Evelyn Johnson, father-in-law Frank and mother-in-law Philothea Mae Vondrasek and sister-in-law Lorraine Holcomb

Dick is survived by his devoted wife, Laverne; his children Brian (Jane) Johnson and Heidi (Tim) Blatz; his grandchildren Brayden Blatz and Bryleigh Blatz; his sister Mary Jo Vaughn and her family; as well as many sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and his brother-in-law Myron (Mike) Holcomb.

In keeping with Dick’s wishes, he will be cremated. A private family gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate his life.

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