Richard Alan "Rick" Johnson

MADISON - Richard Alan “Rick” Johnson, 74, of Madison, Wis., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, surrounded by his family after living with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born on Oct. 12,1949, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Richard Donald and Violet Rose (Wydra) Johnson. He grew up in McGregor, Minn., and Eau Claire, Wis., where he attended Memorial High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1974 with the 55th Medical Group, 5th Logistical Command out of Fort Bragg. While stationed in South Korea, he worked in Preventative Medicine for soldiers and staff. Upon returning, Rick completed his degree in Environmental Health and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He later earned a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in the same field.

Rick worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, followed by a long career at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he managed the Environmental and Public Health program. He oversaw food, water, air, lab and bio-safety for researchers, staff, and students.

Rick retired from the University in 2007. In retirement, he spent countless hours volunteering with Dane County Parks on the chainsaw crew and helping to establish and maintain prairies and oak savannas on the Ice Age Trail. After pruning trees and spreading prairie seeds, Rick shared his cookie and snack recipes and samples with fellow volunteers. He also volunteered in the kitchen and gardens at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, Wis. He was recently celebrated for his role in creating the Kitchen Garden. Staff and residents have enjoyed the fruits of his labor for many years.

Rick was an accomplished ceramics artist, having learned to throw pottery while stationed in Korea. He lovingly handcrafted hundreds of pieces for family and friends. He also donated his pottery to local charities for fundraisers, raising much-needed funds for public health, Parkinson’s exercise programs in Wisconsin, and other causes. Rick loved cooking and was known as the family head-chef and a bit of a mad-scientist in the kitchen - always adding his own unique touches to enhance every recipe. He loved to make his grandmother’s traditional Czech breakfasts and sweets. He had a knack for creating multi-course feasts with whatever was in the fridge - usually incorporating fresh ingredients from his own elaborate gardens. Rick showed his love through food and generously shared his culinary talents.

Rick was a lover of all things nature. He could tell time just by looking at the sky. He knew the names of plants, prairie flowers, and trees and how to care for them. He helped family and friends with garden consults. Whenever Rick was around, he would volunteer to prune your trees and sharpen your knives. He loved being outdoors: scuba-diving, snorkeling, gardening, fishing, or taking a stroll through the prairie. He and his wife, Stephanie, loved traveling and enjoyed many scuba diving adventures, food and wine experiences, and local hikes. A memorable family vacation to Cozumel with his sons and their families was the birthplace of Rick’s nickname, “El Macho” (also his Rock Steady Boxer name).

Rick had a twinkle in his eye and the brightest smile. His laugh was infectious, and he made everyone feel welcome in his home. Rick had a silly side that endeared him to everyone, especially his grandsons.

He leaves behind his devoted and loving wife of 34 years, Stephanie Gordon Johnson; sons James (Christine) and Jake (Jodie); four grandsons, Aidan, Alec, Cole and Levi; several brothers-in-law, Ben, Jeremy, Josh and Andy; sister-in-law, Molly; mother-in-law, Joan; and many loving extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Violet (1994) and Dick (2011); father-in-law, John (September 2023), and brother Mark (October 2023).

A celebration of Rick's life will be held at the ARBORETUM VISITOR CENTER, 1207 Seminole Highway, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to the American Parkinson Disease Association-WI Chapter (https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/wisconsin/), Davis Phinney Foundation (https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/), Dane County Parks (https://parks-lwrd.countyofdane.com/get-involved/donate), Agrace HospiceCare (https://www.agrace.org/donate/), or plant a tree in Rick’s honor.

The family gives heartfelt thanks to the staff of Attic Angel Community and Agrace for their compassionate care of our beloved Rick. And a special thanks to Patti Batt, Rock Steady Boxing trainer, for her passionate dedication to Rick and his physical and mental health.

Rick, you will live forever in our hearts.  

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002