Rick Johnson

JOHNSON - Richard "Rick" Lee Johnson, born in Sioux City, Iowa on September 29, 1953 died peacefully in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 15, 2018 with his loving family by his side. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Lima Johnson. He is survived by his children, Jeremiah (Sarah) Johnson and Jennifer (Brian Lewis) Johnson; grandchildren, Katrina, Gavin, Aidan, Vivian and Ava; and sister, Jeannette Barr. He was a loving father of his own two children but also anyone else who ever had the honor to call him Pappa Johnson. As he opened his doors and heart to many only in hopes to provide a loving home they could would learn what true family was all about. He valued family and taught us all so much about integrity and what love is all about.

He was married to his one true love Colleen Johnson for 34 years as they spent a lifetime together showing the world what true love really was. He loved, adored and cherished her until his last breath.

Rick always worked hard to provide for his family. Starting “Johnson Construction Co” with his father in 1982 and growing it to become one of the most successful Pole Building Companies in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Then branched off to “Johnson Log Homes” that later became “Deadwood Log Homes” after moving to Deadwood South Dakota. He was a master skillled craftsman building gorgeous Log Homes that will stand the test of time well beyond his years. Along with thousands of Pole Buildings that will still carry his name “Johnson Construction” on the end cap.

He was not only a builder but enjoyed making wood burning artwork as everything he had done was self taught. He was an inventor and enjoyed coming up with new ideas and always had big dreams to make a difference in the world.

He enjoyed the outdoors and loved the Black Hills of South Dakota. Where he spent his past few years playing poker at his favorite place Saloon #10 drinking root beers with his game face on! Rick was well known as being very serious when it came down to business yet a kind hearted man when he was able to relax. But he still had a fun side to him cracking jokes and always laughing.

Rick dedicated this sing “My Wish by Rascal Flatts” to his loved ones....

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish......

And that tells just a small story of this amazing man we had a pleasure of knowing. He was so much more than what can be put into words and will be truly missed. In his honor and grace we will forever remember Rick Johnson.