Johnson, Larry LeRoy (1945 – 2024)

JOHNSON, KULLBERG, GROPPER

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 7/15/2024 at 19:27:15

Name of deceased: Larry LeRoy Johnson

Aged: 78 yrs, 6 mo, 8 days

Residence: Harlan, IA

Born: Dec. 12, 1945; Storm Lake, Buena Vista County, IA

Died: June 20, 2024; Harlan, Shelby County, IA

Funeral services: Tuesday, June 25, 2024; Therkildsen Center, Harlan, IA

Survived by: Daughter, Julie (spouse, Dean) Johnson of Omaha, NE; granddaughters, Kathryn Johnson and Teresa Johnson, both of Omaha, NE, and Mary Johnson of Harlan, IA; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, H. LeRoy and Ella (nee Kullberg) Johnson; brother, Robert Johnson

Education: Beginning his education in a one-room country schoolhouse in Boyer, IA, he next attended high school at Odebolt-Arthur, IA, where he graduated from Odebolt-Arthur High School, Class of 1964. While there, he excelled in track and earned several medals at the district and state level in long distance running. He went on to the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, where he excelled academically and also served as a head resident. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics with an emphasis in teaching.

Religious affiliation: Baptized and later confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church, Odebolt, IA

Military service: n/a

Marriage: Mary Gropper; July 18, 1970; location not provided

Employment: Taught math at Steamboat Rock (IA) High School, Harlan (IA) Community High School, and Shelby-Tennant (IA) High School; also taught algebra at Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs, IA. Following his teaching career, he worked for Agriland FS. He worked as an agent for Farm Bureau Insurance, Shelby County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, and then retired from The Agency in Harlan, IA. After retirement, Larry continued to share his skills through seasonal work at Agriland FS.

Hobbies/Interests: Loved gardening; enjoyed fishing in Minnesota; liked driving his red convertible and generously devoted his time to volunteering in local parades. A skilled painter, Larry completed various remodeling projects; found joy in engaging with others, but mostly, he cherished making memories with family, especially with his granddaughters, Kathryn and Teresa.

Sources: heartlandfunerals.com