Richard E. Johnson of Waupaca passed away peacefully on June 15, 2006, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to the late Soren W. and Nellie Johnson on February 2, 1915, in Waupaca, WI. He attended grade school and high school in Waupaca. After graduation he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and obtained of B.A. in Economics (1937) and law degree (1939). After graduation he returned to Waupaca to practice law until he enlisted in the Navy as one of the "Flying Badgers." Johnson spent four years as a naval aviator in the North and South Pacific during World War II.

Dick married Maxine Czeskleba June 14, 1944, in Almeda, CA. They returned to Waupaca and he resumed his law practice. Dick was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He served as president of the County Bar Association, on the State Bar Board of Governors and was chairman of the State Grievance Committee. He held the office of District Attorney of Waupaca County for six terms.

Dick was a director of the First National Bank of Waupaca, became president in 1969 and subsequently, Chairman of the Board. He was a director of the Riverside Community Memorial Hospital and served as president as the board for two terms. Dick was also a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Waupaca.

He was an avid golfer serving as President of the Waupaca Country Club, the Northeastern Wisconsin Golf Association, the Wisconsin State Golf Association and Vice President of the Western Golf Association. He was a devoted advocate of the Evans Scholars Foundation and began the Waupaca Evans Day Scholars Event in 1976. He also served as the president of the Royal Poinciana Country Club in Naples, FL. Dick enjoyed curling and was an active member of the Waupaca Curling Club.

He is survived by his wife Maxine (Czeskleba) Johnson; his five children: Nancy Hamilton (Tony), Richard G. Johnson, James S. Johnson, Susan J. Johnson (Keith Reingold) and Stephen E. Johnson (Carole): six grandchildren: Kristin and Anthony Hamilton, Erika and Caitlin Johnson and Michael and David Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Jane (Johnson) Brauer, and his granddaughter, Michelle Hamilton.

His family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to his wonderful and devoted caregivers.

Visitation will be held Sunday, June 18, 2006, at Holly Funeral Home, 526 South Main Street, Waupaca from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. The service will be held Monday, June 19, 2006, at 3 p.m. at Holly Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions can be sent to: The Richard E. Johnson Memorial Fund in care of First National Bank, Waupaca.