Richard Johnsgard

richard johnsgard
Rick Johnsgard, 67, a member of one of the first Fargo rock bands to record for a national label, died Friday at the age of 67 at his home in Fargo. He was part of the only class of inductees in the North Dakota Rock Country Music Hall of Fame, which also inducted the likes of Bobby Vee, Peggy Lee and Lawrence Welk in 2012. Johnsgard was inducted into that hall of fame alone, though he was often associated with numerous bands. He was a member of Overland Stage, which released an album on the Epic label in 1972 that produced two singles, "Beginning to Feel It" and "To the Park." Johnsgard's local band credits also included The Little People, Phoenix, Oz, Ice Breaker and Triple Play. Rick is survived by his sister, Carolyn Driscoll of Davenport, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents, Waldo and Edith (Carlson) Johnsgard. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday October 3, 2015 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

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  1. Hearing that Rick passed makes my heart ache. What a gem; what a loss. Rick was the lead guitar player in the first Fargo band I was ever in. From the moment I met him, he was so approachable and such a humble musical genius. I know how fortunate I am to be able to call Rick my friend and to have shared the stage with him in 3 bands spanning almost 30 years. Rick’s gritty singing voice was one of a kind, and his humorous wit and candor was so refreshing. He was a unique, unforgettable man. I raise my CHALIS high in his honor. -Carolyn

  2. Rick was such an amazing individual! I met him while he was playing with Triple Play and we instantly connected! The bond we had is something I will cherish forever! No matter how much time had passed we could pick up right where we left off! I could spend hours listening to his stories! I always looked forward to seeing him and his infectious smile! It is one that I will NEVER forget! I am sure Moya (his dog) is excited to be with you again! You always took such good care of her! Rick touched my life and the loss of such a wonderful person is hard to accept even if I know he is in a better place!

  3. So sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I’ve know him for many years, and thought of him as a great musician, and a good friend. Always great to talk to. He will be missed.

    Terry Bosch

  4. I first met Rick when he played with the Little People. Later when he was with the Overland Stage. Great times and wonderful money’s.

  5. Rick was a very special person, that smile and those blue eyes Everyone in our building is sad with his passing. He will be missed.

  6. Rick and I were classmates at Fargo Central. A true friend and an absolute great musician. Always followed the bands he played with. We ran into each other numerous times thru common business acquaintances and most recently Carolyn, Rick and myself met ran into each other and talked forever. They are rockin in heaven now…rock on “Guitar Man”.

  7. Rick and I were both many-year veterans of guitar music. My sincerest condolences to Rick’s family.

    Kenny

  8. I am so sad to hear of Ricks passing.For so many years we were very good friends.I loved his smile,I loved his talent, and I loved him.It leaves such an empty place in my heart to know he has left us to soon.My deepest sympathy to Caroline and all of his Family.

  9. Tori and Moya are so happy to see you again along with your Family..Love and laughter my friend, thank you for the good memories! xxxooo

  10. I will always remember that wonderful smile as he greeted me.
    He was a great neighbor and friend. He will be greatly missed
    by all who knew him.

  11. I’ve known Rick for years. I’ll miss that smile and pretty blue eyes. I always went to hear him play when they were in fargo or moorhead. Last time i talked to rick was at the vets in south fargo. He had his dalmation and i had one of my goldens there for a checkup. I got to talk to him at the rock hall of fame induction as well! There will be some serious rockin in heaven! Rock on my friend you will be missed!

  12. Rick i’ll miss your blue eyes and smile. You were always friendly and willing to talk.wAS great to visit with you at rock hall of fame induction.lOVEd all the bands of which you were a member. There will be some rockin in heaven, rock on Rick, you will be missed!

  13. Rick was a great talented guy. The 1st time I saw him was in Overland Stage and he played the flute and I was a fan from that moment on. He was a force in the FM music business and will never be forgotten. His blue eyes are still sparkling with music in his heart

  14. I was a big “Overland Stage band fan in the early 1970’s, when they were doing shows in towns in northern Minnesota. In fact, many years ago I transferred the “Overland Stage” Band album from vinyl to CD, and have been listening to their music in my car for the last few days. I think that album was really good. The musicianship skill was absolutely outstanding! I met Rick at a concert they gave in Roseau, MN, and spoke to him a few times on the telephone as his friend and fan. I am sad to hear of his passing. He was part of something very special in the “OVERLAND STAGE” band.

  15. I had many wonderful conversations with Rick, in a friendship that began when Overland Stage was playing in Roseau in the early 1970’s. I thought very highly of him as a musician (and the musical songwriting and performances of Overland Stage). I purchased their album in Fargo in1973. Over the following years I transferred the album to CD. And I still enjoy listening and appreciating it to this day. I was listening to it in my car on the way to my office this morning, as a matter of fact.


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