Richard "Rick" D. Johnson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard "Rick" D. Johnson, who passed away unexpectedly on May 30, 2026, at the age of 69. His kindness, generosity, and steady presence will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Rick was born on March 3, 1957, in Great Falls, Montana, to Donald and Leona Johnson. He spent his early years on the family farm north of Browning and attended Croff Ren Country School, as well as schools in East Glacier and Browning. He completed his senior year at Choteau High School, graduating with the Class of 1975.

Following graduation, Rick moved to Quanah, Texas, where he began his career in truck driving and joined the Quisenberry Harvest Crew. In the mid-1980s, he returned to Montana and settled in Dutton, where he and his father opened D & R Repair Shop. He later joined the Montana Department of Transportation, where he built a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years. Through hard work, dedication, and leadership, he advanced to the position of supervisor before retiring in 2019.

Retirement gave Rick even more time to do what he loved most-helping others. He was always ready to lend a hand whenever and wherever he was needed. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends in Sun Canyon and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Rick was a man of few words and simple pleasures, known for his generosity, dependability, and heart of gold.

Rick married Diane Thorne in 1991, and later divorced. In 2005, he met his soulmate, Carol Zielinske. Through that relationship, he formed special bonds with Carol's daughters, Casey Padilla (Rodney) of Arizona and Kendra Hall (Ralph) of New Jersey.

Rick held a particularly special place in his heart for his two nieces, Rachael and Alyssa, whom he loved like daughters. In recent years, he found great joy in becoming a great-uncle to Elayna, Lauren, Patrick, Kasen, and Claire, and he never missed an opportunity to proudly share stories about them.

Rick is survived by his sister, Sandy (Larry) Klotz; his nieces, Rachael (Jake) Donovan and Alyssa (Kyle) Kuburich; his great-nieces and great-nephews, Elayna, Lauren, Patrick, Kasen, and Claire; his soulmate, Carol Zielinske; and many extended family members and friends whose lives he touched over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Leona Johnson, and his sister, Dawn Lee Johnson.

Rick will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 27, at 1:00 p.m. at the Dutton American Legion. Family and friends are encouraged to bring stories and memories to share as they honor and celebrate Rick's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dutton Senior Center or the Dutton American Legion.

Condolences to the family may be shared at www.frontierfuneralhome.com