Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Passing of a Brother

It is my sad and solemn duty to report that my grandpa, Dick Johnson, has passed away. My grandpa was a member of Fidelity Lodge No. 39 for 60 years and is the man who got me into Masonry. More than that though, he was a great man and highly respected in the Austin community. I know that I will miss him and everyone who knew him feels the same way.

Richard Donald Johnson, age 82 of Austin, MN died at his home Tuesday evening, May 25, 2010. He was born November 11, 1927 to Alfred and Almeda (McDonald) Johnson in Madison, South Dakota where he grew and graduated from high school. He attended Dunwoody Institute for one year and received his boiler's license. Moving to Austin in 1946, he went to work for Milwaukee Railroad. He entered the US Army in 1950 stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He married Betty Lien on November 28, 1951 in Mason City, Iowa. They made their home in Austin. After Richard's honorable discharge in 1953, he returned to work on the Milwaukee Road where he retired in 1988. A member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 50 years with the Masons, Knights Templar and Royal Arch Masons, American Legion and the Eagle's Club, Richard also enjoyed bowling, crossword puzzles and fishing. He was an avid do it yourselfer.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Johnson of Austin; one son, Rick (Chris) Johnson of Eagan; two daughters, Jill (Michael) Novak of Las Vegas, Nevada and Sue (Reggie) Smart of Ham Lake; two grandchildren, Nick and Kerry; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bill and Ed; and two sisters, Ruth Marie and Marilyn.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 28, 2010 at Our Savior's Lutheran Lutheran, Austin, MN with Pastor Glenn Monson officiating and military rites by American Legion Post 91. Friends may greet the family for one hour prior to the service.

4 comments:

burntloafer said...

We are saddened by your loss. Both you and Rick are in our thoughts, along with the rest of the family.

He was a good man, and it was an honor to have met him.

Unknown said...

Nick,

I know how much your grandfather meant to you, so I extend heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I, too, joined Masons, largely because of my grandfather's influence, so I know how important that grandfather-grandson Masonic connection is. Both of our grandfathers have now moved on to that "celestial mansion, not built with human hands, eternal in the heavens...the undiscovered country, from whose borne no man returns." They are having a great lodge meeting there, no doubt. Peace to you and your family.

Unknown said...

My condolences for your loss.

wade said...

Bro. Nick:

My condolences on the loss of your grandfather. I am sure that he was very proud of you and was glad to call you not only grandson, but also "brother".

Wade Sheeler
Newton #59/Iowa