Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont. Richard heard his last “Hey Culligan Man” from his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as he passed away on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and six children at Woodland Manor in Fairmont, Minn. The rains from heaven will surely be soft water now. Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Richard Boyd Johnson was born Aug. 14, 1932, in Mankato, Minn., the son of Glen Ellis and Lucille Ann (Meurer) Johnson. Richard grew up in Amboy, Minn. where he attended school through his junior year of high school. The family moved to Fairmont in the fall of 1949, and Richard completed his education attending Fairmont High School, graduating with the class of 1951.

Richard’s father opened Culligan Water in Fairmont in 1949. Following his graduation, Richard began helping his father until February 1953, when he felt a call to serve his country and enlisted with the U.S. Army. Richard served stateside during the Korean War and was part of Company G 11th Armored Cavalry. While serving in the military, Richard married Shirley Olive Kranz at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Amboy, Minn. on Dec. 20, 1953. In February 1955, Richard received his honorable discharge, and the couple returned home to Fairmont where Richard joined the family business.

In 1972, Richard purchased the Culligan franchise serving Martin and Faribault counties from his father and worked hard over the next 25 years to build his reputation and legacy as the “Culligan Man.” His motto was “satisfied customers is what it is all about!” Richard made his work at Culligan a family affair as his six children did odd jobs there growing up. In 1997, Richard decided it was time to retire and was proud to have his son Rich purchase the business from him. In 2024, the family celebrated 75 years of business spanning over 3 generations.

Family was extremely important to Richard, and he treasured time spent together. In the early years, it was waiting for everyone to be around the supper table to say a supper prayer and have a meal together. In the later years, it was looking forward to seeing friends and family on the deck for 4 p.m. cocktail hours with tumblers full of rum and coke. Richard truly loved his wife, “Shirley O.” and always had a kiss waiting for her. Richard had a wonderful sense of humor and loved a good practical joke. He was the rock of his family and his patience and understanding made it easy for his kids to come to him for advice and help. Richard served his community in many different roles, as Commodore of Fairmont Chain of Lakes Yacht Club, board member of Truman Senior Living, and as an over 60-year member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fairmont, where he served as past secretary and usher. Richard looked forward to warm summer days spent at Interlaken Golf Course and out on the lake boating where he taught all of his children to water ski. He was an avid gardener and took pride in taking care of his yard. Richard was very detail-oriented and had a passion for putting together models of airplanes and ships, many of which are on display at the historical society and Fairmont High School. Richard was very proud of his service to his country and enjoyed his work helping to place the American flag at personal residences and businesses throughout Fairmont in support of the VFW and American Legion.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Shirley Olive Johnson; children, Terri (Mark) Poindexter, Judi (David) Goedtel, Patti (John) Kasper, Darci Broich, Rich (Stephanie) Johnson and Traci (Nick) Lardy; 10 grandchildren, Emilie (Ian) Knox, Kevin (Kristine) Poindexter, Heather Goedtel, Kyle Goedtel, Daniel (Jennifer) Kasper, Anthony (Alyssa) Kasper, Kayla Lardy, Allison Lardy, Jayden Johnson and Jaxon Johnson; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Isabel, Skylar, and Ava; sister, Shirley (Bob) Eliason; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Lucille Johnson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elmer and Olive Kranz; grandson, Michael Goedtel; son-in-law, Walter Broich; brother, Tom Johnson; and sister-in-law, Betty Johnson.

The family sends a very special thank you to Woodland Manor Assisted Living. They provided wonderful care to our dad and quickly realized dad’s quick wit and were not shy to give it right back to him. He enjoyed these interactions seen through his smile. Also, a thank you to Lakeview Funeral Home for their special care.

The family requests memorials be made in Richard’s name to the St. Paul Lutheran School Endowment Fund. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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