Larry Gene Johnson, the son of Roy L. and Elsie M. (Griffin) Johnson, was born August 10, 1941, at his parents’ home in rural Audubon County near Exira, Iowa and died April 17, 2023. At the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, Iowa at the age of 81 years, 8 months, and 7 days.
Larry was baptized at the Exira Christian Church in Exira, Iowa. He attended Audubon County rural schools near Exira, then graduated from the Exira High School with the Class of 1959. Following graduation on July 6, 1959, Larry and his best friend, Jerry Rydl, enlisted in the U.S. Navy under the “Buddy Plan” where they would be able to serve together during their stay in the service. Unfortunately, after enlistment, they saw each other only once, briefly from afar. During his tour of duty, Larry, served on the U.S.S. Ranger CVA 61, and was a boiler man. He was honorably discharged on August 3, 1962 and returned to Anita, Iowa and was employed at O.W. Schaffer and Son gas station for a few years. Larry then drove truck for Andrew Jessen and Son for a brief time.
On May 28, 1976, Larry was united in marriage to Bernadine Pearson in Platteville, Colorado. Larry returned to O.W. Schaffer and was a mechanic then was a mechanic at Merritt Spry and Son until it closed. He then worked at Larsen Ford in Exira, Iowa for Harvey Larsen and Son. For over 23 years until he retired. Also, while working for Larsen’s, he farmed Harvey’s land. After Larsen Ford closed, Larry farmed for Charles and son Denny Krogh then later drove truck for George Schultes and Son. While both Larry and Bernadine worked full time they also farmed 300 acres and Larry sold Crow’s Seed Corn while also running Johnson Repair.
Larry loved racing at the Stuart Speedway where one year he was the Season Champion and also enjoyed watching the figure 8 races. Larry built a machine shed on their acreage and they would invite their friends every Sunday morning for coffee. His favorite pass time was playing cards with Ron and Trudi. On the 2nd Saturday of every month the “Group of Six” would ravel to The Hayloft in Grant, Iowa and eat chicken and fish.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Roy and Elsie Johnson; his brother Raymond “Swede” and wife Carol Johnson; his nephews Brian “Swede” Johnson, Brad L. Johnson and his great nephew Thomas Johnson.
Survivors include his wife Bernadine “Bernie” Johnson of Exira, Iowa; his sister Marilyn and husband Roger Nelson of Ogalala, Nebraska; his nieces and nephews: Becky and husband Don Akers, Bruce and wife Lermes Johnson all from Exira, Iowa, Gary Wilkins of Indianola, Iowa , and Traci and husband Shane Lapp of Ogalala, Nebraska; his great nieces and nephews Kyle and wife Angie Johnson and children Karson, Hunter, and Thomas Johnson, Brad and wife Bridgette Johnson, their children Violet, Grant, and Graham, all of Exira, Iowa; Clint Johnson, Laura and husband Trevor Gilbrantson and their children Beckett, Wesley, and Clay all of Lake City, Iowa, and Kaitlyn and husband Logan Namanny and their son Kippton; his adopted family Joe Mackenna, Paige, Mia, Bennett Vais, other relatives and friends.
The family will greet friends Friday morning, April 21, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. Funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Steven Frock on Friday morning April 21, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery in Exira. The casket bearers will be John Asberry, Charlie Asberry, Bruce Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Brad Johnson, Mark Rydl, Robert Honeywell, and Craig “Bub” Sorensen. The flower committee will be Sharon Honeywell, Trudi Crosby, and Judy Wheeler.
