Richard A. Johnson

Richard A. Johnson, age 78, lifelong resident of Hibbing, MN, passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, MN. He was born on May 11, 1947, in Hibbing, MN, to Albert and Dorothy (Juricich) Johnson.

A true outdoorsman at heart, Richard found his greatest joy in the woods, on the lake, and in the company of those he loved most. He was a proud member of the Rifle and Pistol Club, the Hibbing Elks Club, and the Rocky Mountain Elks Foundation. Richard was also known by nicknames “Rick” and “Red” when working for the Hibbing ambulance crew during his early years and until he retired as a Road Foreman for Saint Louis County Public Works in Linden Grove.

On August 16, 1969, he married Fern Sweet at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Richard shared what he loved evidenced by early dates snowmobiling around Side Lake, MN, family camping trips, they also enjoyed attending outdoorsman banquets. Rick and Fern surpassed more than 55 years of marriage together.

He enjoyed fishing trips to Eltrut Lake, elk hunting in Big Piney, Wyoming, and deer hunting in Togo and Greaney, MN he loved spending time visiting with family and friends at camp. He also enjoyed quiet evenings with Fern at the Bear River Cabin. Richard could often be found putzing around the garage, visiting with anyone that would pop-in.

He is survived by his wife Fern Johnson of Hibbing, MN; children, Joe (Charlene) Johnson of Hibbing, MN, Dr. Rebecca (Becky) Johnson and LeAnne Saponari of Rochester, MN; siblings, Steven (Teresa) Johnson of Pleasantville, AZ, and DeeAnn (Edward) Oresek of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren, Lexi Platt, and Rachael Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, MN. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Pastor Kevin Norton will officiate the celebration. A private family interment will take place at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing, MN.

Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing, MN.