Gerald R. “Rick” Johnson
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Funeral services will follow, with Father David Bruener officiating. Interment will take place at Gould Rock Cemetery in Grand Marsh (Town of New Chester), Wisconsin, a luncheon will be held immediately following interment at the VFW in Adams, Wisconsin.
Rick was born on August 16, 1951, in Beloit, Wisconsin, to Gerald and Beverly (Alderman) Johnson. He attended Adams-Friendship Area Schools and spent his entire adult life as a truck driver, a profession he truly enjoyed. Most recently, he took great pride in driving for Alsum Farms. He took pride in his work and the many miles he traveled over the years, something he never wanted to give up!!
Rick was united in marriage to the love of his life, Flora J. “Birdie” Rykiel on September 30, 1972, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Brooks, Wisconsin. Together, they made their home in Adams, where they raised their three daughters and watched their grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow.
Rick found joy in the simple pleasures of life—hunting, fishing, collecting clocks and old coins, and searching for treasures at garage and estate sales. He also enjoyed riding his Harley, admiring his Chevelle, John Deere Tractor, and participating in the A-F Motors Car Cruises
Whenever you were looking for him you could always find him tinkering in his garages. Known for his generous spirit, Rick was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. You may have seen him riding a lawn mower or snowblower down his street to help out a neighbor or friend. Rick was blessed with the gift to gab, a quick wit, and pulling pranks on family and friends.
A man of nine lives, Rick battled illness after illness with unmatched resilience. Every challenge he faced was met with courage, determination, and an unbreakable fighting spirit. Though his body finally rested, the strength, grit, and bravery he displayed throughout his life will never be forgotten. He was and always will be a true fighter.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald; his mother, Beverly (Lyle); brothers, Sluce, Bertrum, Renny, and Ozzy; sisters, Rita Foth and Roxy Stropes, his in-laws, Joe and Donna; and brother-in-law, Ron York.
Rick is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Birdie, daughters, Brandy (Westley) Olson, Bobbie (Phil) Hams, and Jerri Johnson; grandchildren, Dylan, Donna (David), Brock (Reba), Emily, and Erin; great-grandchildren, Brantley, Coleson, Emerson, Clayton, Clyde, Ivy, and Gunnar; siblings, Roma York, Harley (Debbie), Oakie, Artie, and Rena Lumby, brothers-in-laws, Mike (Cindy) Rykiel, and Loren Stropes husband of the late Roxy Stropes, Rose Knapp partner of the late Sluce Lumby; and his loyal canine companions, Duke, Snoop Dog, and his cat Swiper.
He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Also, survived by lifelong friend of 51 years and considered his adopted brother, Pete (Mary) Juve. Rick had a deep love for his family and friends. He will always be remembered as a
hardworking man who gave his all to the people he cared about most. Rick leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved him deeply.
The family would like to thank the City of Adams Police Department, Adams County Sheriff’s Department and Medical Examiner’s Office, the Doctors and Staff at DaVita Dialysis, and Roseberry’s Funeral Home for their care and support.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. To share online condolences or for further information, please visit www.roseberrys.com.
Deepest sympathy to Birdie and family, so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Birdie and family,
The A-F VFW Post 6279 and myself wish to extend or sincere condolences on the loss of you husband and father. HE was a joy to talk to and was active in serving the post for many years. He will be missed.
My deepest condolences Birdie and your family. Rick was always quick to help when needed. A true friend to all. RIP
Sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences.
Thoughts an Prayers Thinking of all the family
To Birdie and Family,
We are do sorry for your loss. Rick is now at peace, no longer enduring the physical pain in his mortal body, but enjoying everlasting health and happiness with our Lord! He will be missed!
To Rick’s family and friends, we are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Rick was always great to talk to and he had time to visit. He will be missed by many.
Birdie and Family,
So sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with him when seeing each other around town. Our Sympathy to you and Family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that your family is in our hearts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing; such a nice person. Our sympathy to his family at this sad time.
By all the condolences on this page shows how much of amazing person Rick was to so many people ,with my time knowing Rick he was always so pleasant to talk with and be around. It really breaks my heart to hear of his passing my prayers to Birdie and family members
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers of condolences and comfort to all. Thinking of all of you.
Brock, so sorry to hear about your Grandpa. My sympathy to your Grandma and all your family.
Birdie and family, we are so very sorry for your loss.
Birdie & family. Very sorry to hear of your loss. Rick was a wonderful person who was an inspiration to many!
Birdie & family,
Sending hugs to all
So sorry for your loss 🙏🙏🙏 though S and prayers going out to the family 🙏🙏
So sorry for your loss 🙏🙏🙏
My thoughts and prayers to all. He will be greatly missed.
Birdie, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of Rick. Sending condolences to all. He will be missed by many.
I’m so sorry he was and amazing person would help anyone thinking of you he will be missed
My deepest condolences to you and your family Birdie. ❤️
Birdie and family,
Sending my deepest sympathies and prayers to the family. Rick was a special guy who always had kind words for everyone. In time of need he was always there to give a helping hand. I always enjoyed our chats when we would run into each other. Rick will be deeply missed by many friends. May your loving heartfelt memories provide immense comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Rest in peace Rick.
Rick was such a nice man, thinking of you during this difficult time.
Birdie, and family my deepest sincere condolences to all of you. He will be deeply missed by many. May God comfort you and be wish all of you at this time.
Birdie and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Rick was truly an awesome man. I won’t forget our numerous conversations when ever I saw you guys. He always had a smile and time to visit whether talking about cars or anything else we decided to discuss. Keep the memories close they will help. Sending hugs.
Birdie and all the family,
Words do not express my depth of sympathy for you all at the passing of your loved one. Rick was a great person and will be greatly missed.
Aunt birdie and family my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Uncle Rick will be deeply missed. If u need anything please feel free to reach out to me
Birdie and family, We were really sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He definitely put up a good fight with all the different illnesses he has had over the years. He is now no longer suffering. Our Deepest Sympathy to you all.
Karl and Toni Boettcher
Birdie and family. So very sorry for your loss. I know exactly how you are feeling. The pain never goes away but it eases somewhat. I had such a nice visit with Rick not that long ago. Was always running into him and he would always take a minute to chat. What a NICE person he was. He will be missed by many. If you ever need someone to talk to, please reach out. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Birdie & Girls,
Sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He was such a special guy and will be truly missed 💕
Birdie and Family
So sorry for your loss. Rick was truly one of the good guys. Hugs and prayers to all.
So very sorry for your tremendous loss
Birdie and family, I am so sorry to hear about Rick. Sending prayers your way.
Birdie & all your families, you have my sincere condolences. May God comfort you in this time of sorrow.
Roll on Donald duck roll on!
Are thoughts prayers 🙏 and hugs 🫂 to the family and friends Rick was an awesome friend to us and many others and will be miss by many many good times we had with him so RIP my friend
My deepest condolences for you and your family.
Birdie and family, we were so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. He was classmate of ours and it was always a pleasure to bump into you and Rick and have a good chat! You have our deepest sympathy and are praying for your comfort.
My condolences to Rick’s entire family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻.
So sorry for your great loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. May his soul rest in the peace of the Lord.
So sorry for your loss. He cut my grass for me. He was wonderful.
Our condolences to the family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know there are no words that can make anything better but I’m thinking of you all!!
My deepest thoughts and condolences to the family, prayers being sent for all. May god wrap his arms around you all during this time of need. Rest in peace Rick.
Birdie and family……..so, so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing…what a truly good man!
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad and difficult time. Hang on to all those wonderful memories you all have of Rick, tell those funny stories that you remember, and don’t be afraid to laugh… I’m sure Rick would like that. Say his name often…it really does help!
Know that others care, and are thinking of you and your family. Rest in peace Rick!!
Love and Hugs to you all….🙏❤️
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a good, kind man. His legacy lives on in all of you. Sending you all thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace.
Birdie and family our heartfelt condolences to you all. Rick was an awesome friend to many. He will not only be missed by his family but his friends as well. May be rest in peace.
Birdie and family our heartfelt condolences to you all. Rick was an awesome friend to many. He will not only be missed by his family but his friends as well. May be rest in peace.
My condolences to the family. His work here is finally done and he can now rest. He has left you with love and memories. Bless you all. Rest now my friend.
Birdie and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rick was most definately a good and caring person. Let all of the wonderful memories give you strength at this difficult time. Rick certainly had a great life and enjoyed friends and family. Rest in peace Rick. Dennis&Judy Allen
Birdie and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rick was most definately a good and caring person. Let all of the wonderful memories give you strength at this difficult time. Rick certainly had a great life and enjoyed friends and family. Rest in peace Rick. Dennis&Judy Allen
Birdie and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rick was most definately a good and caring person. Let all of the wonderful memories give you strength at this difficult time. Rick certainly had a great life and enjoyed friends and family. Rest in peace Rick. Dennis&Judy Allen
Birdie and family, we are so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We will sure miss him. Sorry to miss the service. Love ya
Birdie and family, so sorry for your loss. Rick will be greatly missed by many. Prayers for all of you.
I am so sorry for your family. I didn’t know Rick that well but I heard he was a wonderful person. Anything we can do please let us know.
Steve and I would like to send our deepest condolences to the family. Sending much love and prayers
My deepest condolences to family and friends of Rick. I got to know Rick through Alsum Transport he was a real good person . We would talk every time we run into each other and I heard lots of stories he will be missed by many . RIP Rick my friend till we meet again.
Birdie, sorry for your loss, sending much sympathy.God bless you and our family.
Birdie I’m sending warm thoughts and prayers to the family I will truly miss a good friend 🧡 🙏
So very sorry for your family’s loss.
I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. My prayers for everyone.
So sorry for your family’s loss…
Our sympathies to Rick’s family
Birdie and family…words are never enough…plz know my thoughts are with you. All who knew Rick feel your loss.
Birdie, Brandy, Bobbie, Jerri and families – deepest sympathies to you all. Hold your memories close and may they comfort you at the hardest of times. I remember MANY times of laughter, tears (from laughing), there was always a smile on his face and there was never a time when a helping hand was not lent throughout the years. Love always – Lisa & Ron
So sorry to hear this. My sympathy to all.
Birdie, and family, So sorry for your loss our condolences to all of you . You are all in our thoughts and prayers .
I’m so very sorry on your loss. May God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time
Birdie, Jerri, Bobbie, and family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Rick! Such a great man, gone much too soon. May his immense love for, and pride in, all of you sustain each of you in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. May your memories bring you comfort and eventually peace.
Birdie, Bobbi, Jerri- Ladies I’m sorry for your loss of Rick. Lean on each other and others remember all those wonderful memories
So sorry for yo
ur loss. He will be missed by all who knew him
Sending our condolences
Hugs and prayers for the family.
so very sorry for your families loss was a great guy
so very sorry for your families loss was a great guy
So very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss, our condolences.
Wishing you all comfort and peace to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your hearts.
Sorry to hear this Birdie & family. As Fred and I got to know Rick and spend time talking with him, what a nice guy. He always seemed to look on the bright side of life. That’s one of the many things we admired about him. Our prayers go out to all of you.
Birdie – Bobbie and Jeri – so sorry for your loss – he will be deeply missed. Ron and Jude
Birdie and family, very sorry for your loss.
Sending our deepest sympathies and prayers to the family in this difficult time. Sorry for all of your loss!
My sincere condolences to you Birdie and Family!
Prayers and hugs to you all
So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing.
Birdie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was one of the most amazing people I have ever met. He was such a caring person for everyone and everything. If any of you need anything at all please don’t hesitate to reach out. Love you all!
Heartbreaking for all family,friends & all who knew him. just a nice man who loved his entire family. hugs to you all. ❤️
Heartbreaking for all family,friends & all who knew him. just a nice man who loved his entire family. hugs to you all. ❤️
Our deepest condolences to the family. May God comfort you during this difficult time. What a great guy who always had a pleasant hello no matter how he felt. I’m sure he’ll be missed by many
Aunt birdie, Brandy , Bobbie, Jerri so sorry for your loss .. sending my condolences to you all.. He will be missed..