Richard Theodore "Dick" Johnson (1941-2016)
JOHNSON, WOODWARD, BYRNE, STILWELL, SHAHIDI, EBERT
Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 4/2/2016 at 12:48:02
Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.
Richard Theodore "Dick" Johnson was the classic American success story. He was born May 9, 1941 in Ames, Iowa to Arnold and Tiliet Johnson. He was raised on farms between Ames and Gilbert. Following high school, he attended Iowa State University for one year but took a job with James Thompson & Sons Construction Co. as a timekeeper. His work at JTS and its sister company, Story Construction, was the beginning of a 46-year tenure that culminated as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Story Construction Company upon his retirement in 2007. He rose through the ranks of JTS and Story because he was given a chance, and many employees have commented how Dick passed this chance on to them with their first job. Before retiring, Dick chose and mentored a new group of leaders to take the helm at Story Construction. A few of the JTS and Story major projects included the ISU Veterinary Medicine Center, Kinnick Stadium Press Box renovation, Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at UNI, and Hilton Coliseum.
His leadership at Story Construction leant itself to the area building industry as well. A few of his contributions included serving as a founding board member and Past President of the Iowa Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, board member and Past President of Master Builders of Iowa, and a member on numerous national committees with The Associated General Contractors of America. His primary objectives were always to have efficient jobsites, and more importantly, safe jobsites.
Recently, his friend “Mac” jokingly referred to him as “Mr. Ames.” Dick quietly shrugged off the compliment, but he placed himself in the center of community involvement throughout his life. The short list of his contributions includes his membership on the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors, Des Moines Area Community College Trustees, Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation, Noon Rotary Club of Ames and Lion’s Club. Dick was a Leadership Chair and a board member of the United Way of Story County, President of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the Ames Economic Development Commission and of the Ames Seed Capital Fund, and a Past President and a board member of the Ames Boys and Girls Club. He was also a board member and contributed for many years to Mainstream Living, Inc. in Ames.
He took genuine enjoyment in work, but more importantly, a genuine enjoyment in people. Dick was the center of his family. For his wife, children and grandchildren, he taught by example. He provided encouragement when needed and counsel when warranted; talked about himself only when asked; shared his love of the outdoors, and the value of fine craftsmanship and things hand-made and well-built. His grandchildren brought him great joy. He enjoyed simple pleasures and simple moments. He would say he was blessed and wanted to share those blessings with others.
Richard died Tuesday morning, March 22, 2016 at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, after a valiant eight-year battle with cancer, surrounded by family.
Dick is survived by his wife of 38 years, Gene Woodward; and children, daughter, Bonnie Byrne (Michael) of Davenport, daughter, Karla Johnson of Ames, son, Todd Stilwell of Ames and daughter, Tori Shahidi of Ames. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Michaela Ebert (Brett) of Creve Coeur, Mo., Ryan Byrne of Chicago, Ill, Toran Shahidi of Cedar Rapids, Tavan Shahidi of Ames, Tynan Shahidi of Ames, James Stilwell of Clive and Kya Stilwell of Clive.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Dennis Wayne Johnson of Ada, Mich.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mainstream Living, Inc. at www.mainstreamliving.org/en/donate, Iowa State University Foundation at www.foundation.iastate.edu/give or Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation at www.mgmc.org/mgmcfoundation/donate.
Funeral Service
MAR 29. 09:30 AM
Crist Community Church
THE PLEX, 5501 George Washington Carver Ave.
Ames, IA, US, 50010Graveside Service
MAR 29. 01:30 PM
Ames Municipal Cemetery
310 E 9th St.
Ames, IA, US
http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
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