Johnson, Richard A. "Dick" age 81, of Anoka. Lifetime member of the American Legion Post 102; WWII Veteran; 35 year employee of FMC; Anoka Legion Baseball Coach for 33 years; Volunteer Anoka HS Baseball Coach; Amateur Baseball Player for Rogers and Soderville. Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Swede and Lyle; grandchild, Bobbi Jo; and great-grandchild, Dakotah. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 53 years, Anna Mae; children, Rick (Cynthia) Johnson, Patty (Jim) Kappelhoff, Debbie Welte and her friend, Mal Allen, Bob Johnson, Jeff Jonshon and his friend, Kim Anderson; grandchildren, Ricky (Emily) Johnson, Christina Johnson, James (Jackie) Kappelhoff, Jessika (Chris) Brustven, Ryan (Roxanne) Welte, Ross Welte, Raquel Welte, Jabie Johnson, Karen (Jeff) Westman, Krista (John) Bauer; great grandchildren, Bella, London, Riley, Brooke, Mason, Megan, and Noah; sisters, Audrey and Donna Mae; also many relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, January 5, 2007 11 am at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 525 Jackson St. (763-421-2471) Anoka, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church, and also on Thursday, January 4, 4-9 pm at the funeral home. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Anoka. Memorials preferred in lieu flowers. Methven-Taylor Funeral Homes Anoka Chapel 763-421-9393 850 East Main St.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
Johnson family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I just learned of Dick's passing. He was such a wonderful person, I know he is dearly missed. God bless you all.
Debbie (Ward) Maloney
Deborah Maloney
August 20, 2007 | Andover, MN
Dear Johnson Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Dicky was a great coach and a better person. I unfortunately suffered the loss of my boy due to a miscarriage on january 5, and one of my comforting thoghts through the whole ordeal was that Braeden has a great person to help him out up there.
jon engels
January 11, 2007 | Maple Grove
To The Johnson Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dicky's passing... He was the most inspirational coach I ever played for, and will always have a place in my heart. He taught me confidence as a baseball player, and his passion and enthusiasm for life was unforgettable.
Kevin Wirkkala
January 08, 2007 | Circle Pines
This entry is very difficult because Dick was very much a part of our family. Our son Jim married Annie and Dick's daughter Patricia. Prior to that, our sons played hockey on the same Anoka High School team.
It was only one year ago that we (Patty, Jim, Dick, Annie, Jim and I) were enjoying a trip in Las Vegas. We enjoyed much laughter and fun. I would bet that if there is a poker slots in Heaven, that Dick is playing and winning, again! I am grateful to have had that time with...
Marilyn Kappelhoff
January 07, 2007 | East Bethel
Johnson Family
Dicky was the greatest coach I ever had. He had an incredible balance of knowledge, humor, and competitiveness. I try to model all my coaching after him. I will never forget the tears Dicky had after the state tournament win to go to the State Championship in 1994.
John Peterson
January 06, 2007 | Andover
Rick and Cynthia,
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family,
Hoffman JDE Core Team
January 05, 2007 | Anoka
Dear Annie and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Dick's death. As athletic as he was I think we expected him to go on forever.
We remember him well as the catcher for the Championship Soderville Baseball Team.
He was a remarkable man and will be long remembered by those of us who knew him.
Our deepest sympathy to all of you,
Don and Lorraine Peterson Soderquist
Lorraine Soderquist
January 04, 2007 | Bonita Springs, FL
Jeff, I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I remember how fondly you spoke of your father the last time I had the opportunity to visit with you and Steve Shields. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jeannie Schmid
January 04, 2007 | Roseville, MN
Annie and The Johnson Family,
All of our thoughts and prayers are with you as we all deal with Dick's passing. Anyone who has known Dick, coached with him or against him, or had the privilege of playing for him are better people because of their relationship with Dick. If there is baseball in heaven, I am sure that he will be catching all of the double headers.
Jerry & Lori Sobieck
January 04, 2007 | Andover, MN
