Rickie Lee Johnson

Rickie L. Johnson, 68, passed away on April 13, 2026, after a long battle recovering from a Traumatic Brain injury. He was surrounded by his loving family. Rickie was born in Butte, Montana on April 19, 1957, to Lennie and Ilene (Meyer) Johnson. He went to school in Butte and graduated from Butte High School in 1975. He started his working career after graduating high school and he began working at MT Department of Transportation in 1976. Where he worked for 34 years. Starting with a survey crew working his way up to Bridge Inspector and retired as a Project Manager. He met the love of his life, Dawn (Bukema) Johnson when she was 14 years old. Instantly they knew they would build a life together forever. They got married on August 20, 1977. Together they have four children, Holly, Michael, Magen and Troy. Later, they adopted their grandchild, Chloe. Rickie had a passion for hunting, fishing with his family, going to get pull tabs on Sundays with Michael, and most of all he loved taking his family on vacation. He loved to root for his favorite football team, Da Bears. He was so excited when he bought his boat to take his family out fishing. He enjoyed watching his grandson Peyton on Friday nights playing football at Butte High stadium. His biggest passion was watching his family grow and succeed in their lives and loved to see them light up. He always had a nickname for everyone, Holly dolly (Holly), Spud (Troy), Buckwheat (Magen), Glowbug (Chloe), P (Peyton), Poo & Tater (Shade), Zada Zoo (Zada), Bella Wella (Bella), Baby girl (Willow), and My Girls (Chloe, Zada, Bella, and Willow). Rickie is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 48 years Dawn. His children Holly (Rodger), Michael, Magen (Will), Troy, and Chloe. Rickie was blessed with six amazing grandchildren Chloe, Zada, Shade, Peyton, Bella, and Willow. In addition to four bonus grandsons Daelan, Broden, Corbin, and Axston. Also surviving his sister Rita Butler, brother-in-law Tim Ryan, Sisters in law Connie (Dan) Mueller, Debbie (Jerry) Cerise, brother-in-law David (Bernie) Bukema. Along with numerous nieces and nephews. Rickie is preceded in death by his parents, Lynn and Ilene Johnson, sister Machelle Ryan, brothers Arty, Lonny, and Dale, mother and father-in-law Audrey and William Bukema. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday April 22nd at 11:00 am at Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home in Butte, Montana. A reception luncheon will be held at McQueen Athletic Club at 1:30 pm. Where family and friends are invited to gather and share their favorite memories. Memorial donations may be made to donors’ choice. Rickie will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Till we meet again, you will always be the love of my life.

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Rickie Lee Johnson

April 19, 1957 - April 13, 2026