Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson of Baudette, MN passed away on September 2, 2023 at the age of 84 at Lakewood Health Center after a long health battle.

Richard (Junior) was born in the Wabanica area close to Baudette, MN on April 17, 1939, to Richard and Ruth (Sunne) Johnson. He was the older brother of his 3 sisters. They grew up on the farm there until high school age when they moved to Baudette. At a very early age, Richard took an interest in farming, especially equipment. He first helped his dad with the farming using horses, and later with various tractors. He enjoyed hunting and had a lifelong passion for tractors, and he could repair almost anything. He could often be seen giving his kids, grandkids, and finally great-grandkids rides on one of his old tractors that he collected.

Richard attended school in Baudette and graduated with the class of 1957 and enjoyed keeping in touch with his classmates. Richard married Annette (Stanley) in 1958 and they raised 4 children. After 3 of their children were born in Baudette, Richard and Annette moved to Ridgecrest, CA in 1963 where their youngest child was born. Richard went to trade school for Sheet Metal work, and he then worked for several years at the China Lake Naval Weapons Center. They moved back to Baudette in 1969 to their present home although they vacationed in Ridgecrest area every chance Richard could to get back to the desert he loved. They were able to purchase a winter home in Ridgecrest in 1999 and stayed there until health issues prevented him from traveling.
Richard’s work life and hobbies usually revolved around something that could challenge him intellectually, especially when he could design it and then create it with his various talents. His jobs included farming, sheet metal work for the Naval Base in Ridgecrest, managing the Cenex Station in Baudette and later the Auto Parts Store. He worked for Howards Oil in Baudette heading their metal fabrication shop. He worked for Solvay Pharmaceuticals and later worked with his oldest son in his own fabrication shop until health issues didn’t allow him to work anymore.

Richard was known for his unique brilliant mind, sharp wit, and generosity. He was often called “a walking encyclopedia”, especially about the history of Lake of the Woods County in MN. He was on the Historical Board for many years and was always looking around for something which he thought should be in the museum and was always available for special projects. He was also responsible for acquiring the Baudette Depot from the CNN Railroad. He worked tirelessly to ensure it didn’t fall to the wrecking ball. Richard could also be found looking for old treasures at
historical sites with his metal detector and several of his “finds” are at the museum and at his home. He was a lover of most kinds of antiques and passed that passion and knowledge on to all his kids. He was also an avid gardener and loved to share his produce.

Richard is survived by his wife Annette of nearly 66 years, daughter Debbie (Tim) Perusse, sons Jeff (Carla), Brian
(Bonnie), and Greg, all of Baudette. Grandchildren Crystal, Aaron, Derek, Victor, Kerista, Marissa, Richard and 11 Great-
Grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Eileen (Larry) Olson of Carp, MN and Elaine Mabeus of Lynnwood, WA.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister Elda Kartes, grandson Brandon Perusse, and great-grandson Mason
Perusse.

Funeral services will be held at First Lutheran Church of Baudette where Richard was baptized, confirmed and a
member.

A Funeral Service for Richard Johnson of Baudette, MN will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 3:00PM at First Lutheran Church in Baudette, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at Elm Park Cemetery in Baudette, MN.

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