Larry Johnson, 86, formerly of Meriden, Iowa, passed away on February 5, 2023, surrounded by family at Edencrest Memory Care in Ankeny, Iowa. Larry’s wish was to be cremated. A public visitation will begin at 10:00 am with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00 am; on April 8, 2023 (Saturday) at Oakdale Evangelical Free Church, 1207 450th Street, Meriden, Iowa 51037.
Larry was born to Elmer and Rebecca (Tullis) Johnson in Holstein, Iowa on April 5, 1936. He was an only child. After graduating from Washington High School in Cherokee, Iowa, he continued his education obtaining his Bachelor’s degree at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, and receiving his Master’s Degree at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville, Missouri. Larry played football for Morningside and would often regale his friends and family with stories of his college days. After graduating from Northeast Missouri State Larry taught and coached high school sports for several years. Larry returned to the Cherokee area where he farmed and worked for the State of Iowa as a Rehabilitation and Vocational Counselor. Larry retired after working as a Director of Ida Services, Inc.
In 1955 he married Alice “Jeanette” Wester, the love of his life and best friend for the past 67 years. Larry and Jeanette moved to a farm north of Meriden, Iowa in August 1966. There they raised four sons. Larry lived a life of faith and served for many years as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and Usher at Oakdale Evangelical Free Church. He loved to play board and card games and spent many a night enjoying time with his Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law. After retirement, he and Jeanette liked to travel. Their favorite place to visit was Branson, Missouri. Larry and Jeanette moved to The Gardens Assisted Living, Cherokee, Iowa in September 2019. They recently moved to Edencrest at Sienna Hills Memory Care, Ankeny, Iowa in August 2022.
Larry will be deeply missed by his wife, Jeanette of Ankeny, Iowa, formerly of Meriden, Iowa; his sons and daughters-in-law: Kendall (Melody) Johnson of Grimes, Iowa; Kevin (Joy) Johnson of Ankeny; Kerwin (Kelly) Johnson of Bonifay, Florida and Kenric (Brenda) Johnson of Alta, Iowa. Grandchildren: Josiah, Karyn “Lenn”, Lucas, Wesley, Camden, Katie, Zachary, Raquel, Austin, and seven great-grandchildren. Sisters-in-law: Lorraine Mortensen, Evelyn Kludas, Eleda Wester, and many nephews and nieces.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents: Elmer (Rebecca) Johnson; parents-in-law: Elmer (Mabel) Wester; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Burton (Eleanor) Lundell; Roy (Elsie) Wester; Vernon (Ruby) Wester; Dale (Patricia) Wester; Robert Mortensen; Merle Wester; Karl Kludas; nephew, Wayne Wester; and niece, Sarah Wester.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Oakdale Evangelical Free Church Missions.
