Richard “Dick” James Johns passed away October 12th at the Wisconsin VA Home in King, WI. He was 93. Dick was born on February 19, 1933 in Rhinelander, WI to Evan and Mabel Johns. Dick was affectionately known by many as “The Mayor”.
At the age of 17, Dick enlisted in the army and served in the Korean War. He was shot in the leg and was honorably discharged on March 12, 1954. He received the Purple Heart.
Dick came back to Rhinelander and married Rose Marie “Doots” Stefan, the love of his life, on April 16, 1955. They had three sons: Daniel (deceased), Lance, and Thomas. They both professed that raising their boys was the greatest achievement of their lives. Rose passed away on November 5, 2018. Dick and Rose shared 63 years in a loving partnership that grew stronger over time. At the time of Rose’s passing, through tears and big grin, Dick said, “We had a good run”. Dick worked at the Rhinelander Paper Mill in maintenance and as foreman for many years until his retirement in 1994. During the retirement years, both Dick and Doots were known to head now and then to a casino for a “cup of soup”.
Dick enjoyed golf, bowling, fishing, hunting, vacations with Rose and family, and entertaining friends. Many would come over to the house and gather in the basement around the jukebox and a keg. Stories would be told and laughter would fill the room. Many relaxing and good times were had at Hodag Lake where family and friends would gather to celebrate the beauty of nature and the outdoors.
Both Dick and Doots had a passion for service and compassion for those in need. At the age of 31, having talked it over with Doots, Dick decided to run for City Council. He was elected to the Council, a position he would hold for nearly 40 years. In those days, council members were, by default, also elected to the Oneida County Board. Dick served on Parks and Recreation Board, he garnered support and cultivated relationships that enabled him to help establish such projects as Nicolet Technical College and Tri-County Mental Health Services, serving as its chairman for 18 years.
In 2004, Dick became Mayor of Rhinelander, serving the people and city he loved. When presented with a challenge, Mayor Johns was at his best. He would say, “Let me see what I can do”. During his 13 years as Mayor, Dick led the fight to obtain multi-million-dollar funding for the wastewater treatment plant completed in 2012, the implementation of the Premier Area Resort Tax to improve the city’s transportation infrastructure, the historical mural in City Hall, responding to requests from citizens…always listening with an open mind and compassionate heart. On behalf of the city of Rhinelander, Mayor Johns accepted a gift of Green Bay Packer memorabilia donated by the Bill Spars family. He raised funds for display cases to house the collection at the Rhinelander Oneida County Airport for visitors and locals to enjoy.
Dick is survived by his sons Lance(Jane), Thomas(Sarah), grandson Adam, great grandchildren Ethan and Logan, nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rose, son Daniel, grandson Andrew, brothers Forrest, Willard, Thomas, and sisters Ruth and Deloris.
The Mayor’s family would like to offer their special thanks to the staff at the Wisconsin VA Home in King, WI for the tender loving care he received during his time there.
Please refrain from any gifts to Dick’s family, just get a 12 pack of Busch Light and listen to some Johnny Cash with a friend, and always thank a vet.
A visitation for Dick will be held at the Carlson Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 21 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a memorial service to be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 22 at Zion Lutheran Church with Reverend Nathan Plocher officiating. Inurnment at Northland Memorial Park Cemetery will immediately follow the memorial service. You may leave your private condolences for the Johns family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Johns family.
