Richard Johnson

Gowrie - Richard Ivan Johnson, 95, passed away Friday January 16, 2026, at the Marian Home in Fort Dodge surrounded by his loving family.

Richard (Dick) was born on October 10, 1930, to Harold F. and Ruby (Skoglund) Johnson in a home in Dayton, IA. He was raised and educated in Dayton, graduating from Dayton High School in 1948. On September 10, 1949, he was united in marriage to Pauline M. Johnson. To this union three children were born; Randy, Paul, and Lynne. Richard owned and operated Dicks Service Station Oil Co. for 40 years until retiring in 1989. He was active in the Gowrie community serving on the town council and as city mayor for many years. Dick was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Sons of the American Legion, and Gowrie Golf and Country Club. He was an avid snow skier, enjoyed restoring old gas pumps, and tinkering on anything mechanical. Dick’s biggest joy in life was his family. He spent his years traveling with Pauline and attending events for all of his grandkids. Dick was a huge fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Chicago Cubs.

Richard is survived by his wife of 76 years, Pauline. Children: R. Randall (Kathy) Johnson of Austin, TX, Paul D.(Kathleen) Johnson of Gowrie, IA, and daughter Lynne (Jess) Benson of Albuquerque, NM. Grandchildren: Brandi (Ron) Hemesath, Randalyn (Andrew) Houser, Paul D (Jen Hicks) Johnson, Rebecca (Josh) Benson-Stuyvesant, Joshua (Rachel) Johnson, Jason (Monica) Johnson, Katelyn Johnson, Zac (Margaret) Johnson, Chris Benson, and Jonathan Benson. Great Grandchildren: Conner (Elizabeth), Landon, and Josephine Hemesath, Henry, Hudson, Huck, Hayes, and Hagen Houser, Braxton Richardson, Rose & Lily Johnson, Sloan Stuyvesant, and Gracie Mellencamp & Brianna Thielen. Great-great grandchildren: Hallie & Scottie Hemesath, and Addie & Coleson Thielen.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Roberta Hale, and brother, Robert Johnson.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday January 24, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, Gowrie, with Lay Minister Beth Carlon officiating. Burial will be in Gowrie Township Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Friday January 23, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, Gowrie.

Laufersweiler Palmer & Sons Funeral Home, Gowrie, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.