Obituary of Richard Emil "Dick" Johnson

Richard Emil, ‘Dick’ Johnson, age 88, of Stillwater, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Friday March 1st, 2024.

Dick was born on May 26, 1935, in Forest Lake Minnesota, to Estelle and Emil Johnson, where he grew up on the family farm. Dick attended Forest Lake High School and after graduation, went on to the University of Minnesota where he earned his BS in Chemical Engineering. He later went on to earn a MS in Chemical Engineering at the University of Akron in Akron Ohio.

Dick met the love of his life, Virginia Jill ‘Ginny’ George, while they were at the University of Minnesota, and married in Minneapolis, on June 21, 1958. Soon after, they started a family and went on to raise two sons, Brent and Bruce.

Dick’s career first took him to Akron Ohio, where he went to work for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a chemical engineer. In 1965, they relocated back to the Twin Cities area and he went to work for 3M corporation in a variety of management roles. He went on to pursue a more entrepreneurial career and in 1976, established Woodsan Rod and Fly Fishing Shop in Lake Elmo, MN. He later went on to consulting engineering roles in the ethanol and bioremediation industry until retirement.

In addition to a successful career, Dick had many other interests which included city government. He was a long-time resident of Lake Elmo and served on both the city council and planning commission there. He was also involved with the Washington County Historical Society and co-wrote a history of the Big Lake area called “Pioneers of the Big Lake Community.” Music was a big part of his life and Dick spent many years singing with the Swedish Institute Male Chorus and various church choirs including the choir at Ascension Episcopal Church, where he and Ginny were long time members. He also had a great love of sports, whether he was watching his beloved Twins and Vikings or at his grandchildren’s volleyball and basketball games. Other interests included his Swedish heritage, gardening and family get-togethers.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife Virginia; parents Emil and Estelle Johnson; brothers, James (Kathy), David (Marilyn); sister, Phyllis (Walter). He is survived by his sons, Brent (Laura) and Bruce (Maureen); and grandchildren Ryan, Nicole and Kelley. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at Ascension Episcopal Church at 214 N. 3rd St., Stillwater, MN on Saturday March 16, 2024 at 11:30 am with reception to follow. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Ascension Church or the American Cancer Society are preferred.