Eric Johnson

Madison – Eric Ward “Ric” Johnson. It is with sadness and loving reflection that the family of Eric Ward Johnson, aka Ric Johnson, to report his passing on Sunday, May 29, in his home at the age of 77.  Eric was the son of the late Eugenie (Ward) and George Johnson of Elyria, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Cathie Franks Johnson. Ric was born in Cleveland Ohio, and grew up in Elyria, Ohio, graduating from Elyria High School. Many of Ric’s life passions developed in Elyria. Sports were among his favorites.  His Grandson Charlie had recently taken up baseball and his advice to him was, “Hit it where they ain’t.” He was also amazed at his other grandson Parker’s gymnastics prowess. Later in life, the Brewers; all UW Sports and Packer games were rarely missed. Ric’s life developed further when he attended Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio, graduating in 1967. It was here that he met his future wife, Cathie “C”, and made many life-long friends that remained part of their lives forever. During college, he was a proud member of Sigma Nu fraternity and the varsity tennis team. Following college, he served his country in the US Army from 1967- 1974, reaching SP5. He worked for Nordson Corp for 33 years. As a life-long member of the Methodist Church, Ric’s passion for helping others was a constant; he taught Sunday School, coached, and played on softball church teams. Friendships through church were strong and frequently carried to the golf course for friendly competitions. In retirement, Ric also volunteered for hospice through Agrace. A strong and caring father, he rarely missed a swim meet or soccer match. He served on the board at Ridgewood Pool and was a sharp swim-meet official, even disqualifying his own son, Mark, for a false start. He was a huge fan of Erica’s elegant diving, swimming, and water ballet performances; and he was proud of her EMS career as a Paramedic/Paramedic Instructor. Ric treated everyone like family and loved his son and daughter-in-law Jim and Jill like his own. Ric’s greatest joy and achievement in life was his marriage to Cathie. Words can’t express their bond. They traveled extensively during their lives. He loved exploring new countries and cultures with Cathie. His care for Cathie was just short of saintly. He lived his life caring for her and her challenges with MS for so many years. We all learned so much from him and the most important lesson is that true love never ends. We all will accept that it is shocking, yet poetic that he died on Cathie’s 75th birthday. Not surprisingly, they couldn’t be apart. He is with Cathie again and likely he is very ok with that. Ultimately, we believe he died of a broken heart and we miss him so much.

Ric (and Cathie) were the parents of two children who grieve his passing, Erica (Jim) Gallagher, and Mark (Jill) Johnson, and two grandsons, Charlie and Parker Johnson. Surviving Ric are his sister, Jan Davis, sister-in-law, Pat Franks and two nephews.

A memorial service will be held at BETHANY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 3910 Mineral Point Road, Madison, WI on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 11:00 am. A visitation will be held at church on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of the service. The memorial service will also be live-streamed via the following link: https://zoom.us/j/99881066415?pwd=dGI1K3Yvczd4OUdRSHFQUm14VTNaUT09

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Road

(608) 238-3434