Richard Johnson

Richard William Johnson passed away on June 20, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He had been a patient of the Austin Retirement Nursing Center on Burnet Road.

Rich was born in Chicago, Il and grew up in Rockford. His parents, Laina and Oscar Johnson, were Finnish and proud of it. He had an older sister, Laila Marti, who passed away just this last year.

He joined the Air Force toward the end of World War II and was sent overseas to Japan during its reconstruction years. When he returned he enrolled at Carnegie Institute of Technology, now Carnegie Mellon, to get a degree in Printing Management. It was there he met his future wife, Linda Cowan, who lived in nearby McKeesport, PA and also graduated from Carnegie Tech. They were married in 1951 after his graduation and moved to Atlanta, GA to start married life and his career in printing management. Eventually the family wound up in Austin where they have resided for the last thirty-four years.

Rich was a very quiet man who loved being at home and working around the house and yard. He was an avid sports fan, a rabid Cub fan unfortunately, and loved sports, especially golf which was a lifetime passion for him.

He was also a stern but loving and devoted father to his five children. They are Carol Milton, husband Michael, daughter Jessica; Lisa Witt, daughters Nikki and Jenny Kulafofski , husband Smitty and daughter Nola; Susan McAden, husband Ty, sons Collin and Cooper; Jeffrey, survived by his wife Pat and son Samuel; Christopher, wife Jodie, children Kayle, Kyle, and Corey. Also surviving back in Illinois where the family lived for many years are three special nieces, Nila Saloga, Karen Mayes, and Jani Marti. Richard William Johnson was so proud of his wonderful family and they were devoted to him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 11th at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Austin on Mesa at Spicewood Springs.