Richard "Dick" Emil Johnson, 75, of Elk Rapids, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on November 4, 2022. He was born on June 27, 1947, in Ishpeming, Michigan. His father Gordon Johnson and mother, Helen (Joyce Lusardi) Sobbry later moved the family to Elk Rapids, Michigan.

Dick honorably served his country in the U.S. Army where he worked as a court reporter and achieved the Sharpshooter Badge rifle award. When he left the U.S. Army, he married Mary (Sue) Cradduck on July 12, 1969. Dick served the community of Elk Rapids in the Lions Club and was chosen "Lion of the Year '' in 1981-1982. He worked at Elk Rapids Super Tool, LLC as a purchasing agent for many years and then Tri-Craft, LLC as a cabinet maker.  He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, playing for the Town Club Softball team, and remodeling houses.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who made time to teach his two daughters and grandchildren how to play sports and work in the yard. Dick always looked forward to having his "grand" dogs (Titus, Marmaduke, Job, and Zophar) next to him when they came over to visit. His family and Hospice workers knew not to interrupt him from watching a Detroit Tigers game or during "25 Words or Less."

Dick leaves behind his wife, Sue, daughters Lori (Paul) Stendel, Joni (Tim) Ballitch, grandchildren Preston Stendel and Caleb Ballitch. Siblings, Terry (Dale) Brink, sister-in-law Norma Johnson, Mary Sobbry, Frank (Marissa) Sobbry, Carol Sobbry, Dale (Jenny) Sobbry, and many nieces and nephews. He always enjoyed being "The Big Brother" to his siblings.

Preceded in death by his grandson Seth Ballitch, his father, Gordon Johnson, mother, Helen (Joyce Lusardi) Sobbry, his siblings, Robert (Bob) Johnson, Linda (Kingdon) Johnson, Duane Johnson, and Ronald (Buckshot) Sobbry.

A private celebration of life including military honors will be performed under the auspices of Amvets Post #114.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Amvets Post #114 or Promedica Hospice.

Special thank you to Promedica Hospice workers who provided the highest level of loving care the last five weeks of his life. In addition, we would like to thank Dale and Jenny Sobbry, who came over numerous times in the middle of the night to assist Sue with Dick's care.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com