Richard J. Johnson, age 93, passed away on February 4th, 2018 at his home. He was born on September 24th, 1924 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Samuel A. Johnson and Julia Mary Ann Vandeveld Johnson. Richard was one of seven children, attended Sts. Peter and Paul Grade school and East High School in Green Bay. In 1949 following military service he graduated from Sts. Norbert College in W. De Pere, Wisconsin.
Richard served in World War II in the 17th Airborne Infantry Division in Europe, in the Belgium Bulge and in March 1945, in the last great airborne operation of that war, crossing the Rhine River in a glider, landing behind enemy lines near Wesel, Germany. He also served in The Transportation Corps in the Korean War. He married the late Cathryn Helen Schultz following his service in Green Bay in August 1947.
Richard was employed initially at Reliance Printing Co. in Green Bay, then in June 1953 joined the Marathon Corp. in Menasha, WI, which later purchased the Northern Paper Mills in Green Bay where he continued his career. Later, American Can Co. purchased and moved the headquarters to Connecticut, which eventually became James River Corporation. He worked in the advertising business for 36 years until retiring in 1989.
Richard was widowed in June 1986. He retired in Arizona, where he wed Needra June Cook Stromberg of Torrey, Utah in Chandler, AZ in 1990. They resided in Arizona and later in Utah, finally residing in Herriman, Utah. Richard joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in January 2002 in Chandler, AZ.
Survived by his two sons Richard M. of Pueblo, CO, Jeffrey J. of New York; four granddaughters Kathleen Wait and Christine Johnson of Augusta, GA, Colleen Kernahan of S. Augusta, SC, and Crystle Haynes of Knightdale, NC; 6 great-grandchildren; brother Donald G. in Green Bay; also survived by his wife Needra and her 6 children Kurt Stromberg of Magna, Utah, Jammie Hope of San Tan Valley, AZ, Karla Weaver of Medford, OR, Gina Proctor of Pleasant Grove, UT, Lisa Hansen of Highland Ranch, CO, and Shelly Timmerman of Stansbury Park, UT; and Needra's 21 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild, whom all loved their step-grandpa.
Preceded in death by siblings Jane Hanrahan, Marian Cumps, Robert Johnson, Roger Johnson; and older brother John S., who lost his life in World War II.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 10th at 12:00 PM at Rose Canyon 9th Ward, 15003 S. Spring Canyon Rd., Herriman, with a viewing at 11:30 AM. Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Perpetual Education Fund, Missionary Fund or a charity of your choice.
