Ricky Steven Johnson, 68, longtime resident of Shakopee, Minnesota, formerly of Hayward, passed Friday, August 8th, 2025, at Essentia Health Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota surrounded by his family. Prior to his death, Rick resided at the Water's Edge Assisted Living Home in Hayward where he appreciated professional care and kindness from the entire staff.

Rick was born in Shell Lake, Wisconsin July 13, 1957, and grew up in Hayward, Wisconsin, 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 State 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, Rifle 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 is survived by his two sons, Ian Johnson, Bart (Amber) Johnson, one daughter, Heidi (Scott) Shedek; Mother, Darlene Johnson, Hayward; siblings; Renee Wilson, Fort Collin, Colorado, Scott (Michelle) Johnson, Hayward, Dennis Johnson, Hayward and Lisa (Jonny) Sheehan, Stanberry, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and grandchildren.

Rick is preceded in death by his father, Leonard Johnson and his brother, Gary Johnson.

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

A Celebration of Life for Rick will be on Thursday, August 21st at Pineview Funeral Home in Hayward, WI. Visitation will be from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm with a funeral service and military honors at 12:30 pm. Lunch will follow the ceremony at the LCO Convention Center.

Last Update: Aug 19, 2025 7:45 am CDT