Johnson, Richard L.

Richard L. Johnson, 86, of 4404 Pepperwood Hill SE, died Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, at his home following a sudden illness. There will be no service or visitation. Private family burial will be held at Oak Shade Cemetery next to his wife of 52 years, Vivian. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion.

Survivors include his children, Lee (Marilyn Kriegel) of Marion, Craig of Houston, Texas, and Kay Johnson of Ames; two grandchildren, Jeremy Johnson and Melanie Diveley; and three great-grandchildren, Parker and Elijah Johnson and Sawyer Diveley.

Dick was born in Eagle Grove, and graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1941. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1941, serving four years, and was discharged as a Radio man First Class. He then entered Iowa State College in 1946 and graduated in 1949 as an Electrical Engineer. Dick worked for Stanley Engineering Co. until he was recalled into the Navy in 1951, and was discharged at the end of his reserve enlistment in 1952. He was then employed by a small computer company in St. Paul, Minn. There he met and married his wife, Vivian (Near) in 1952. They moved to Cedar Rapids in 1954 where they raised their three children. Dick was employed by Rockwell Collins as a technical writer and publications manager, retiring in 1983 after 29 years of service.

Dick wanted to leave this quote: “I lived a long, and I hope somewhat useful life, and I leave it with few regrets.”

Please sign the online guest book for Dick at under obituaries.