Ricky Johnson

1957 - 2025

Ricky Johnson

July 13, 1957 - August 8, 2025

Ricky Johnson, age 68, a longtime resident of Shakopee, MN, formerly of Hayward, passed away, Friday, August 8, 2025, at Essentia St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN, surrounded by his family. Prior to his death, Rick resided at the Water's Edge Assisted Living Center in Hayward where he appreciated professional care and kindness from the entire staff.

Ricky Steven Johnson was born July 13, 1957, in Shell Lake, WI, and grew up in Hayward, the second child of Leonard and Darlene (Schmock) Johnson.

Rick was a Hayward High School graduate from the class of 1975. Following graduation, Rick entered the United States Marine Corps and was a proud and resolute United States Marine where he earned the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He retired from the United States Marine Corps in 1995 after 20 years of dedicated service. As a Marine, Rick was awarded Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal 6th Award, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 stars, C Service Deployment Ribbon with 3 stars, Recruiting Ribbon with star, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Certification of Accommodation (4), Meritorious Mast (2), Letter of Appreciation (6), Secretary of the Navy Letter of Accommodation, Riffle Expert Badge 10th Award, Pistol Expert Badge 2D Award.

Post Military retirement, Rick spent the last 30 years working in food service sales, and recruitment for post-secondary schools.

Outside of being a proud military man, Rick was a dedicated family person. He loved his children immensely. Rick was widely known by his friends and family for his mischievous pranks, jokes and laughter. Rick was always the center of attention when he walked into a room. He loved hunting, fishing, all things Packers, Brewers, and politics. Rick traveled the world but never forgot his family and always found his way home to Hayward.

Rick was a proud tribal member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

Rick is survived by his sons, Ian Johnson and Bart (Amber) Johnson; daughter Heidi (Scott) Shedek; mother Darlene Johnson; siblings Renee Wilson, Scott (Michell) Johnson, Dennis Johnson and Lisa (Jonny) Sheehan; and many nephews, nieces, cousins & grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father Leonard Johnson; and brother Gary Johnson.

A Celebration of Life for Rick will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Pineview Funeral Service in Hayward. Father Karunakar Madanu will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home prior to services. Military Honors will be following services provided by LCO Amvets Post #1998 and the State of Wisconsin Military Honors Team. Burial will be private at Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner. Lunch will follow the ceremony at the LCO Convention Center.

Online condolences can be made at pineviewfuneralservice.com