Rick L. Johnson: 1954 – 2025
Rick passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family whom he loved. Rick was born on May 12, 1954 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota to Norman Johnson and Juliette “Neste” Johnson. Rick was the eighth of 13 children and grew up from the family farm in Saint Hilaire, Minnesota. Rick graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls in 1972, then he worked at Arctic Cat until deciding to move to Glenrock, Wyoming in 1980. It was a decision that Rick said was the best decision of his life.
In 1980 he met Linda Richardson, who was his companion for 44 years. Being a father and grandfather was the highlight of his life. In addition to his stepdaughters, Rhonda Richardson and Timi Kline; they had a son, Derek, in 1984 and a daughter, Ashley, in 1986.
Rick worked at Becker Fire / America Lafrance, building fire trucks until they closed. He then worked at Fab Tech until his retirement in 2019.
He enjoyed watching his Minnesota sports teams and attending games when he had the opportunity. Rick was a competitive pool player and played in a league, and in tournaments in Wyoming and Las Vegas. He met and made numerous, lasting friendships that he valued in the pool community. After pool he enjoyed golfing with family and friends.
Rick was preceded in death by his father, Norman; mother, Juliette; sister, “Baby Girl”; and brothers: Terry, Stanley, and Danny.
Rick is survived by Linda Richardson, Rhonda Engle, Timi Kline (Jason), Derek Johnson (Amber), Ashley Eckhart (Derek), brothers Ted, Jaye, Greg (Sue), and Lenny (Theresa); sisters: Judy Nelson (Terry), Luann Ellingson (Dave), Faye Johnson, Tammy Swick (Ray); and sister-in-law, Bonnie Johnson; as well as 14 grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Throughout his life Rick was grounded in the love of family and friends and was at peace with the happiness and fullness of his life. In lieu of flowers donations to Saint Jude or Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions in Rick’s name would be appreciated.
Services will take place at 10 a.m. on Sat. May 31, 2025 at Restoration Church in Casper.
Ronald Eugene Mellinger: 1982 – 2025
Ronald Eugene Mellinger Jr., known to many as Ronnie or Mel, passed away on April 19, 2025, at the age of 42 in Casper, Wyoming. Born on October 15, 1982, Ronnie was a straightforward man who valued honesty and brevity in his interactions.
Ronnie proudly served in the Navy for four years, where he was honorably discharged. He carried the discipline and skills learned during his service into his civilian life, working 15 years as a field supervisor for Weatherford.
He had a passion for working with his hands, whether it was mechanical work or engaging in his hobbies of hunting and recreational shooting.
As a beloved son, brother and uncle, he leaves behind his mother, Elsie; and father, Ronald Sr.; along with his three brothers: Seth, Gary, and Ezra (Pete); and two sisters, Stella and Edith; niece and nephews: Desmond and Desiree (children of Stella), and Wyatt, Donovan, and Zachary (children of Edith).
There will be a Visitation at 9:30 a.m. Saturday May 3, 2025 followed immediately by a Funeral Service at 10 a.m. at Bustard and Jacoby Funeral home, 600 CY Ave , Casper WY 82601.
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be sent to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation.
