Richard Alfred Johnson

Richard Alfred Johnson, age 97, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2024 and was surrounded by his loving family. “Dick” was born on June 7, 1926, in Cadillac, Michigan to Alfred and Hilma (Peterson) Johnson. He graduated from Cadillac High School in 1944, where he excelled and demonstrated his passion for sports. Upon graduation, he entered the US Navy and served on LST 1044 in the Pacific. Dick had a life-long, integral commitment to the country for which he served and was a member of the Amvets, American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans Associations. Dick met his wife Barbara Blaisdell at a local dance in 1950. Although his dancing skills were not the best, his wit and charm won her over and they were married on April 12, 1952, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Cadillac, MI. Dick and Barb shared a great passion for travel and enjoyed Europe, Hawaii and many cruises. They also shared a love of warm weather and spent 27 long Michigan winters in Bradenton, Florida. Always the sports lover, Dick was an asset to many sports leagues including softball, basketball, golf and bowling. He attended First Baptist Church and was a committed contributor to the success of the Cadillac Girl Coat Company where he was employed for 38 years. In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his sons Michael of Vail, CO, Terry of Cadillac, MI, one grandson, Matthew of Wedowee, AL, his twin sister Ruth Swanson of Cadillac, MI, his in-laws, Karen and Glenn Asiala of Lansing, MI, Eva Blaisdell of Oak Harbor, WA, Joyce Johnson of Cadillac, MI and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Harold Johnson, sisters Emma Prothero, Bertha Walter and Hilda Enderton. Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, February 9, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Cadillac with full military rites under the auspices of the Cadillac Area Honor Guard. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at church. His final resting place will be Maple Hill Cemetery in Cadillac. The family would like to thank Maple Ridge Living Center and Hospice of Michigan Cadillac Chapter for their exemplary professionalism and support. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Veterans Serving Veterans Park. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Richard Alfred Johnson

June 7, 1926 - January 30, 2024