Rodney B. Johnson

Rodney Blain Johnson, age 78 of Richfield, passed away March 23, 2023 in Spanish Fork, Utah. Rodney was born May 5, 1944, in Richfield, Utah at Sevier Valley Hospital. He was the third child born to Ila Nebeker and George Steiner Johnson. Proud big sister Carol Jeanne and big brother Steiner Neil welcomed their new brother. Rod grew up and enjoyed his childhood in Richfield. Some of his fondest memories of his childhood included participating in Cub Scouts, visiting with his Grandma Clara Davis, helping his Dad fix cars, and going on fishing trips with his family.

On November 23, 1957, Rod was involved in a tragic life-threatening accident when a train struck the car that he and his Dad were traveling in. He spent many weeks in a coma, healing from many broken bones and a lifetime recovering from his injuries. Although he faced many challenges, he was able to overcome and went on to graduate from Richfield High School.

After graduation, he spent some enjoyable time helping his Dad with mechanic work at Phillips 66. He treasured these times. In his young adulthood he decided he wanted new adventures and set out to California where he lived with his brother Neil, his sister-in-law Pat, and their growing family. Rod learned many things about himself during this time. However, he knew his heart was still in Utah with his sweetheart, Patricia Ogden. They married December 23, 1967. They moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where they started their family. Rod found work as a custodian at UNLV for several years and provided for his family. After 11 years, he moved his family to Salina, Utah. Although he and Pat later divorced, his love never ended for her.

Rod brought five amazing children into this world, Jerry, Krissy, Mike, Julie, and later came Justin. At the time of his death, Rod had 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. And he would be quick to say that he counted the spouses of his kids all as his own, nurturing tender relationships with them. Anyone who knew Rod knows how much he loves his children and grandchildren and how very proud he is of each of them.

Rod once said that his favorite memories with his children included long drives in the mountains, picnics at Tule Springs when the kids were little, and camping trips with Grandma and Grandpa Johnson. He always had his eye open for a good rock that he could polish up. He loved talking with his grandkids. And he especially loved fishing trips. The big family trips to Fish Lake were his favorites including boating, fishing, and spending time sitting on the cabin deck visiting with each family member. Rod developed great memories and nurtured lasting relationships with his family during those trips. He truly looked forward to these gatherings and treasured this time together.

Later in life, he moved back to Richfield to care for his parents. Rod served them so well by looking after them, caring for their needs, and being with them until they each passed away. He loved his parents deeply. During this time, he worked for several years at the Forest Service and made many friends there. After retirement, he enjoyed making things with his hands including wood plaques, key chains made from elk and deer antlers, and homemade knives. He loved drawing and had his own special style. Most of all, he loved giving away the things that he made to his grandkids.

Grandpa Rod will be dearly missed. He leaves a legacy to his descendants of showing how to overcome life’s challenges, to always love family, of singing songs and telling tall tales, and of doing your very best no matter the circumstances of your life. He gave others the opportunity to find the best in themselves as well, and so many did, by kindly looking out for him throughout his life, and especially during the recovery from his train accident and as he grew older. He would be the first to say that his greatest legacy are his children and their children and their children, and you couldn’t have a conversation with him that didn’t include some reference to the family he loves so much.

Until we meet again, Grandpa Rod. Thank you for giving us our name. We love you.

He is survived by his children Jerald Blain Johnson (Jill), Kristina Peterson (Roger), Mike Johnson (Sheila), Julie Anne Batacan (John), and Justin James Johnson; 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. in the Springer Turner Funeral Home Chapel in Richfield, Utah on Saturday, April 1, 2023, where friends may pay their respects to the family one hour prior to the funeral service.

Interment will be in the Richfield City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.

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