Jan. 20, 1947 - Oct. 24, 2026
Date of Service: Nov. 14, 2026
RUPERT – Richard Edward Johnson “RJ”, 79, of Rupert, left this earthly life in the typical, rugged John Wayne fashion that he embodied throughout his life on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Tough as nails to the very end, he passed away peacefully at home in the loving presence of his wife, Janel, and daughter, Jennifer.
Richard had a lifelong passion for the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. His brother, Alan, recalled that during Richards early years, he would venture out on his own, walking the fields and ditches during pheasant season and returning after dark with a bird or two. Later in life, he focused his passion on hunting deer, goose, and elk, and loved fishing the streams around Ketchum. His friends were always amazed that he traveled with an assortment of spices and condiments to fuel his other great passion: cooking. He would clean the day’s harvest right there and create a delicious wild game entrée for everyone to enjoy.
In high school, RJ played football and basketball and represented Minico High School at Boys State during his junior year. He was also a talented artist and a gifted vocalist, singing for various school events and weddings. During his high school summers, he worked for his dad at Trevino and Johnson as a mechanics aid and delivery driver, which is where he first developed his deep love for farming and machinery.
RJ attended the University of Idaho, graduating in 1970 with a degree in Political Science and City Management. In college, he was a proud member and president of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. It was also at the University of Idaho that he met the love of his life, Janel Marie Shroy. They were married on August 16, 1969, in Bremerton, Washington.
Richard and Janel moved to Rupert in 1970, where he joined his father and brother on the family farm. Together, they welcomed two daughters: Angela in 1975 and Jennifer in 1977. After his years of farming, Richard managed the Rupert Elks, worked at Rolland Jones Potatoes, and eventually joined Valley Wide, from which he retired in 2013.
His daughters grew up with incredible memories of their dad on the farm riding alongside him in the combine and tractors, playing in the spud cellars, and watching him work. One especially magical memory was when he created a candy tree on the farm for his daughters, niece, and nephew. RJ was a true jack-of-all-trades; he could fix anything, welded playground equipment for the girls at home, and always went above and beyond to make holidays and celebrations spectacular. He passed his love for nature down to his daughters, taking them hunting, fishing, and hiking through his favorite places. They will forever cherish early mornings spent with him in goose blinds,sipping hot cocoa from a thermos.
Richard was a proud, dedicated member of the Elks Club, serving twice as Exalted Ruler. He frequently shared his culinary talents with the community while working at the Elks, collaborating with close friends to create unforgettable dinners for fundraisers and local events.
Richard is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janel; his daughters, Angela Wolfenbarger of Pocatello and Jennifer Peterson of Rupert. His four grandchildren, Tyler Wolfenbarger, Gracie (Hank) DeVries, Ethan Wolfenbarger, and Matt Peterson who were his pride and joy. Richard loved celebrating their accomplishments and lives. He is also survived by his brother, Alan (Colleen) Johnson; his niece, Sara (Luke) Adams; and his nephew, Adam (Rocio) Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Wendell Johnson; as well as his grandparents; aunts, and uncles, all of whom he loved dearly.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held from 2 until 6 p.m. Saturday, November 14, at the Drift Inn, located at 545 F Street, in Rupert. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made in his honor to Idaho Elks Rehab.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Horizon Home Health and Hospice for their excellent care, kindness, and compassion.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hansen Mortuary of Rupert.
