Richard “Rick” Johnson, 83 of Tioga, ND passed away on Monday, October 14, 2024 at Tioga Long Term Care in Tioga, ND. He passed away peacefully from complications of lung cancer with his family by his side.

Richard Johnson was born on October 7, 1941 to Arthur and Bertha Lautt Edstrom at Harriet Walker Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.

As a toddler he was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Tillie and Emil Johnson of Drake, ND. He and his stepbrother, Wesley lived on the farm south of Drake until he was in the 8th Grade. They moved to Tioga in the early 1950’s. He attended country school south of Tioga until 9th grade and later graduated from Tioga High School with the class of 1959.

He started working various jobs after high school in Tioga. In the early 1970’s he started his own business, Rick’s Backhoe Service, working the majority of time for Hess Corporation. After retirement he kept his backhoe busy working for several area farmers.

Due to ill health, he moved to Tioga Long Term care in March of this year. His favorite pastime was working on his classic cars and pickups. He enjoyed showing the residents and nurses pictures of his collection that he was so proud of. Richard loved Nascar racing and watching Viking football games. He also had a special bond with any cat in the area and fed many strays over the years.

Rick is survived by his niece, Wanda (Larry) Dokken of Williston; nephew, Wes (Janet) Johnson of Tioga and his great-nieces and nephews, Tammy, Stacey, Bryan, Heidi, Jeremy, Carson, Tarah, Tyler; several great-great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by, his biological parents, Bertha and Victor Edstrom; adopted parents, Tillie and Emil Johnson; stepbrother, Wesley (Viola) Johnson; great niece, Nikki Dokken Strand.