Rick was born January 21, 1950 to Irene (Tight) and George F. Johnson Jr. Rick attended Marshalltown Schools before voluntarily enlisting in the United States Army in 1970. Rick was honorably discharged in 1976 after being Crew Chief Gunner E4 in the 63rd Brigade with the 158th Aviation Battalion attached to the 101st Airborne Division. Although Rick did not share a lot about his time in Vietnam, the United States Army awarded him several medals for his honorable service.

Rick was mechanically-minded and very skilled with his hands. The skills he learned working on helicopters in the Army led to a successful career as a machinist at John Deere.

Rick married his soulmate, Virginia Hall, on January 16, 1972 in Melbourne, Iowa. The couple was blessed with one son, Kenny, that same year.

Rick always looked forward to spending time with his family, who lovingly referred to him as “Grumps.” He was extremely proud of his son and grandkids. Rick enjoyed teasing his grandkids, telling them “hey dude!” and “stealing” his great-grandkids’ blankies.

Rick loved being a member of the VFW Post 839 and the American Legion Post 46. He made many good friends and enjoyed the camaraderie he shared with his fellow veterans. He was very humbled to take part in the Honor Flight in 2017. He was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America and the National Museum of the Army.

In addition to the pride he had for his family and his country, Rick always felt especially proud of himself for returning back to school and obtaining his Associates Degree at Marshalltown Community College.

Rick was fond of taking road trips to Lake Red Rock to watch the eagles and finding Freedom Rocks with Virginia. He took pleasure in fishing, trips to the casino, doing puzzles, taking SxS rides, and joking around with the guys at the post. He was also an avid fan of Iowa State football.

Rick was preceded in death by his beloved Virginia; his parents; siblings: Wayne Lurvey, Loren Lurvey and Sharon “Squirt” Johnson, along with two brothers-in-law: Robert Hall and David Waltemeyer.

He is survived by his son Kenny (Niki) Johnson; grandchildren: Malaina (Ethan) Gerke, Michael Johnson, Colton Arvidson and Ashlynn Johnson, as well as four great-grandchildren: Aumree, Ellison, Gentry and Kinslee. He is also survived by his siblings: Gary (Sandy) Lurvey, David Johnson and Mary (Larry) Wegner.

Memorial services for Rick will take place on Saturday, May 24 at 10:30 A.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery with full military honors provided by the combined VFW / American Legion of the surrounding area. A visitation will be held one hour prior to services, beginning at 9:30 A.M. For questions or online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234

– This obituary was lovingly written by Rick’s family.