Richard And Dorothy Johnson

Richard E. Johnson, 89, of La Crosse, passed away on Sunday, November 22, 2020, at La Crescent Health Services due to complications of Covid-19.

Dorothy A. Johnson, 89, of La Crosse, passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2020, at Lakeview Health Center due to complications of Covid-19.

Richard was born in La Crosse on August 2, 1931, to Edwin and Leona (Kessler) Johnson.  He attended St. John’s Grade School and was a 1949 graduate of Aquinas High School.  Following graduation, Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  Later, he studied carpentry at W.W.T.I., and worked for Peter Nelson and Sons along with his father and brothers.  Richard was involved in building the first Lustron home in the La Crosse area and also some of the area’s McDonald’s restaurants.  He was a member of Carpenter’s Local 1143.

Once he retired, Richard filled his free time with fishing, hunting, golfing and many walks.

Dorothy was born in La Crosse on February 19, 1931, to John and Elizabeth (Shedivy) Cibulka.  She graduated from St. Wenceslaus Grade School and was a 1949 graduate of Aquinas High School.  She worked at two West Avenue grocery stores, Maxwell’s and City Foods, while she was single.  She loved music and dancing at the Avalon with her cousins.  Dorothy saw Richard there one night which led to their relationship and marriage at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.  They celebrated their 66 ^th wedding anniversary this past July 24 ^th .

Dorothy kept busy as a homemaker, changing and decorating their home inside and out.  She volunteered in Pastoral Care at St. Francis Hospital making the patient’s stay more pleasant.  She enjoyed arts and crafts and did shows with her daughter, Pat.  She often donated her craft baskets and displays to nursing homes and shut-ins.  Dorothy made events special with her many parties, picnics, and showers.  Christmas always included goose, duck, turkey, dumplings and sauerkraut, and Bohemian goodies.  An article was written in the La Crosse Tribune about her baking skills featuring Kolaches.  She was also a “top” fisherwoman at Pettibone Park and the boathouse.

Richard and Dorothy are survived by their daughter, Patricia Johnson; Richard’s sister, Lola Graff, and brother, Bill Johnson (Kay); and many other relatives and friends.  They were preceded in death by their parents; by Richard’s siblings and spouses, Francis Savant (Joe), Shirley Bott (Bob), Helen Johnson, Bob Johnson (Millie), and his brother-in-law, Leroy Graff; Dorothy’s brother and spouse, Bob Cibulka (Goldie), and niece, Sandy Ciblulka Van Riper.

Due to current conditions, there will be no services scheduled at this time.  Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be submitted at www.schumacher-kish.com.