Richard James Johnson, 76, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, passed away Sunday, July 5, 2020, at Cardinal Nursing and Rehabilitation, South Bend, after a long fight with Alzheimer's disease.
He was born May 25, 1944, in Gary, Indiana, the son of Clark and Ethel (Ewen) Johnson. In 1962 Richard married Ruth Vivian Johnson, who preceded him in death in 1986. He married his second wife, Marcia in 1987 and although they divorced, they remained special friends and traveling companions.
A resident of Rolling Prairie since 1972, Richard was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, serving on the church council for many years. He also served as a Volunteer Fire Fighter in Rolling Prairie, IN. Richard loved farming! He was an original founder of the Indiana Dairy Producers and he owned and operated Sunset Dairy which won many awards for "High Milk Production". Always seeking to learn the latest trends in his trade, he attended many farming and dairy conventions. Richard also had several hobbies, including boating, snow skiing and horses and he adored his two Rat Terriers, Maggie and Leena.
In addition to his parents and first wife, Ruth, Richard was preceded in death by two sons, infant Kevin and Robert Johnson.
He is survived by two sons, Brian (Claudia) Johnson of Bentonville, AR, Paul (Frelin) Johnson of Union Mills, IN; two daughters, Laurie (Jeff) Wright of Edwardsburg, MI, Katie (Bart) Geise of La Porte, IN; two brothers, Rodney (Ginny) Johnson of Hobart, IN, Tom (Shirley) Johnson of Belton, MO; sister, Marilyn (Bill) Pearson of Valparaiso, IN; grandchildren, Brandon, Braden, Brad, Blake (Paige), Ben and Isaac Johnson, Jack Nehl, and Zeke and Zander Geise; second wife, Marcia and several nieces and nephews
Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2020. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2020, at Haverstock Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis Meyer, Bethany Lutheran Church, La Porte, officiating. Interment will follow at Noon in the Calvary Cemetery, Portage, Indiana. In order to protect all of our families and friends, we ask that you comply with CDC guidelines and wear a mask or other face covering, practice six-foot distancing, and wash your hands frequently while attending the visitation and service.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter, Northwest Office, 8679 Connecticut St Suite D, Merrillville, IN 46410 or The Bethany Lutheran Church Foundation, 102 "G" Street, La Porte, IN 46350.
Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
