Richard W. Johnson, 78, of Austin, Minn., died Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at Mayo Health System-Austin.

Richard was born on Nov. 5, 1933, in Austin to Wilburn and Florence (Krachmer) Johnson. He graduated from Austin High School in 1951 and married Connie Reisinger on Aug. 22, 1953, in Austin.

Dick was a member of Faith Evangelical Free Church and of the Elks Club.

He worked in the utility construction business as the owner and operator of R.W. Johnson Company until his retirement. Dick enjoyed fishing, playing cards and telling stories.

Dick is survived by his wife, Connie; sons Brad (Mary) Johnson, Austin, Mark (Debbie) Johnson, Austin, Mike (Nancy) Johnson, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; daughter Shelly (Jim) Kroc, Austin; 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sisters Darlene (Robert) Erickson, Austin, Susan (Norm) Arpiainen, Astoria, Ore.; brother Nathan (Charlotte) Johnson, Watertown, Minn.; sisters-in-law Pat Reisinger, Carol Johnson, Helen Johnson Schwieger; many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Wilburn and Florence, brothers David and Raymond, granddaughter Jenny, brother-in-law David, father and mother-in-law.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. at Faith Evangelical Free Church on Friday, March 30, with Pastor Mike Sager and Pastor Mike Johnson officiating. Visitation will be at Faith Evangelical Free Church on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and at the church on Friday for one hour before the service. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.