Richard Victor Johnson, 72, of Holmen, was born on March 11, 1938 in Rapid River, Michigan. He was the son of Swedish immigrants Victor and Marie Johnson. At the age of 17 he left Michigan and moved to Wisconsin where he worked for Stark Mantle & Tile doing Terrazzo installation.

 

In 1959, at the age of 21, he married Joan Eileen Vallier, who was also from Michigan. Together they had 3 children and raised them in the Coulee Region. Richard and Joan divorced in 1979.

 

Richard and his wife, Joan, had founded Johnson Terrazzo Company in La Crosse, WI in 1967. He ran the business for many years until his retirement in 2000 although even after that he remained involved. His sons and grandson continue to operate the business to this day.

 

In 1980 he met Mary Nimmo, who became his best friend and companion. He spent many years enjoying her company along with that of her grown children, Tom, Tony and Tamaime Nimmo. Richard and Mary remained together until her death in 2008.

 

Richard believed in conservation and planted thousands of trees to replenish forests and he also enjoyed wildlife and spending time feeding the menagerie of song birds that he so enjoyed.

 

His connection to and love of nature were instilled in his children, whom along with their spouses, cared for him in his home in his final days. Richard cherished nature, family, and friendship. Richard died following a hard fought battle against cancer on June 15, 2010.

 

He is survived by his son, Richard (Peggy) Johnson and their children, Adam Vandenheuvel and Richard “Buck” Johnson; his daughter, Michelle (Terry) Peterslie and their children, Danielle, Azia, and Tara Peterslie; and his other son Kerry Johnson and his daughter, Jessica Johnson; also a sister, Ruth Trudel and several nieces and nephews.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Marie (Pierson) Johnson; sister and brother-in-law, Violet and Gordon LaChance; brother-in-law, Walter Trudel; nephew, Walter LaChance; and his companion Mary Nimmo.

 

Per his wishes there will be a private family ceremony on the land he loved. Coulee Region Cremation Group at www.couleecremation.com is assisting the family.