Richard "Dick" Morris Johnson

Richard “Dick” Morris Johnson, 94, Grand Forks, died Thursday, September 7, 2023, in Altru Hospital. Richard was born June 20, 1929, in Cummings, North Dakota, the son of Martin and Mabel (Mortenson) Johnson. He grew up and attended schools in Hillsboro and Grand Forks Central High School. Dick proudly served in the US Marine Corps from 1946 to 1948. After his honorable discharge, Dick went on to attend and graduate from the North Dakota State School of Science with a degree in Broadcasting in 1952. He then attended the University of North Dakota, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Management in 1959. He worked for many years in broadcasting and real estate as well as many entrepreneurial endeavors. He was married for a time and this union was blessed with his children and stepchildren. Dick help to start the first FM radio station in Grand Forks. He was also a past Worshipful Master of the Malta Lodge 131. Family was everything to Dick. He also enjoyed watching UND athletics, Minnesota Vikings, and the Minnesota Twins. He played golf and had a deep love for the city of Grand Forks. Dick was a member of the Kem Temple Shrine Drum and Bugle Corp., longtime member of United Lutheran Church and Cathedral Choir, Malta Lodge 131, Eastern Star Acacia 12, Scottish Rite, Lincoln Park Men’s Golf League, Valley Chordsmen, Elks Lodge, Sioux Boosters, and Grand Forks Jaycees. Richard is survived by his children: Mary (James) Wirta, Steamboat Springs, CO, Heidi Johnson, Wahpeton, ND, Marty Johnson, Greenwood Village, CO, Sandra (Jeff) Welsh, Aurora, CO, Richard (Heather) Hagen, Aurora, CO, Brother Robert (Bonnie) Johnson, Bismarck, ND; grandchildren Brynlee Johnson, Ashton and Avery Wirta, Tommy and Emily Hagen, Bailey, Hagen, Ashley and Kayla Lowery and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Martin M. Johnson and Mabel O. Johnson and siblings Jean Mammel, James Johnson, and Eloise Perry. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Valley Senior Living Wishing Well program, United Lutheran Church, Hospice of Red River Valley. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at United Lutheran Church, Grand Forks. Visitation will be held for 1 hour prior to the start of the service. Burial will be held at Memorial Park South Cemetery. United Lutheran Church will live stream the service on the Church's Facebook page.