Richard Dean Johnson
Richard “Dick” Dean Johnson, 87, died May 26, 2022, after a 10-year battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born to Harry and Clarice Johnson in Spencer, Nebraska. After graduating from Spencer High School in 1952, he earned a degree from General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, and in 1954, pursued a business administration with accounting degree from Drake University, then earned his CPA in 1963. After working a short time with the Auditor of State staff as director of audits in 1968, Dick was appointed as director of finance with the Iowa Highway Commission. In 1975, when it was reorganized as the Department of Transportation, he served as director of the Administration Division and director of the Motor Vehicle Division. In 1979, Dick was appointed by Gov. Robert Ray to serve as State Auditor. He loyally served the citizens of Iowa as the state’s financial “watchdog” until his retirement in 2002. Dick continued to share his expertise with the financial boards of local companies, including Vision Bank of Iowa, PMMIC and Lincolnway Energy.
In 1956, Dick married Marjorie Sire of Butte, Nebraska. They had four children. He was a member of the Nebraska and Iowa National Guard from 1955-1990. After retirement, he participated in the local American Legion chapter. Dick served as city clerk and mayor for the town of Sheldahl from 1959-1975. He was a farm owner and member of the Boone County Farm Bureau, Madrid Evangelical Free Church and Rotary Club.
Dick was preceded in death by his siblings, Glennis, Dorothy and Leonard; and two grandsons. He is survived by his wife; sisters Lucille and Lila; children, DeAnn (Brian) Thompson, JoAnn (Stephen) Leach, LeAnn (Kevin) Houlette, and David (Mary) Johnson; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Visitation was on Tuesday, May 31 at Madrid Evangelical Free Church. A funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1, also at the church.