Barbara Johnson 11/03/2025

Barbara Ann Johnson, age 77, of River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Kinnic Health Nursing Home and Rehab Center in River Falls surrounded by family.

Barbara was born on March 24, 1948, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the daughter of Robert John Petricka and Jane Agnes (Schneider) Petricka-Ritzinger. Following her graduation from St. Bridget’s then River Falls High School, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in history and education from the University of Wisconsin River Falls.

In 1975, while working at a travel agency near Stillwater, Minnesota, Barbara met Tim Richard Johnson, a kind and adventurous man who would soon become her husband. Together they began a new chapter that took them far from home and into a life filled with travel, love, and discovery.

The couple made their home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where they spent many happy years living aboard and managing yachts along the Intracoastal Waterway. Seasonally traveling the east coast of the United States brought many fun adventures. After life on the water, Barbara worked as a yacht broker and office manager for several firms, including Gilman Yachts, and became known for her graciousness, warmth, and ability to make everyone feel at home. Life in South Florida brought her deep friendships, beautiful sunsets, and countless adventures she would fondly recall for years to come.

Although Barbara and Tim later separated, they remained close friends until his passing in 2013.

After returning to River Falls in 2010, Barbara embraced a peaceful retirement. Continuing to follow her calling of helping others, she worked at a local funeral home supporting people through their grief. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, bridge games with her mother and friends, and the simple joy of connecting with others.

Barbara was a beautiful woman with a heart of gold who would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. She loved traveling, cooking, and helping others. She was a gracious and generous host who ensured her guests never left hungry and always left with a hug.

Caring for her beloved mother, Jane, up until her passing in 2021 was a divine calling for Barbara and one she fulfilled with deep love, tenderness, and unwavering devotion.

She often said she had lived “a charmed life” and those who knew her would agree. Her kind soul, bright smile, and generous heart touched everyone she met.
She was a longtime and faithful member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in River Falls, where she found strength, peace, and community throughout her life.
Barbara is preceded in death by her father, Robert “Pat” Petricka; mother, Jane Petricka-Ritzinger; stepfather, Dick Ritzinger; and former husband, Tim Johnson.
She is survived by her loving sons, Andy and Adam Johnson; her brother, Tom Petricka (Donna Foster Lucas); nieces and nephews Laurie (Steve) McNamara, Hunter and Dalton; Amy (Dr. Jerry) Berends, Grace (Bradley) Donovan, Cole, and Luke; Sarah (Greg) Tassi, Isaac, Connor, and Maggie; uncle, Tom Schneider; aunt, Mary R. Bryson; as well as her extended Ritzinger family — Dr. Mark (Jean) Ritzinger, Dr. Justin (Amei) Ritzinger, Anne, Maggie, Bridget, and Luke Ritzinger-Taylor — along with many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Barbara’s Life was held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services, 805 E. Division Street, River Falls, Wisconsin. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment took place with family at St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery in River Falls after service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Sunshine Club of River Falls, in Barbara’s name. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch the recording of Barbara’s service