"A Celebration of Larry\'s Life has been scheduled for August 15, 2021, 10:30-Noon at Ankeny Outdoor Education Center, 610 NE 36th Street. Please join us for this informal gathering to share memories and celebrate his life. "
In loving memory of
Larry Dean Johnson
March 8, 1957 - August 2, 2020
Larry Dean Johnson, 63, of Ankeny, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 2, 2020. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Larry was born on March 8, 1957 in Jefferson, Iowa to Boyce and Rexine Johnson. He graduated from Paton-Churdan High School in 1975. Larry attended DMACC and received his bachelor's degree and masters of business administration at Drake University. He had a varied career including the freight industry, pension administration and home remodeling. Recently he had been enjoying a well-earned retirement.
Larry enjoyed life and spending time with friends and family. He was involved in a variety of activities; biking, theatre, umpiring, refereeing, board and card games, trivia, happy hour, karaoke, or any other activity that involved friends and family. He was always the first to volunteer to help friends and family and never passed up a good conversation. He enjoyed traveling and was looking forward to the next opportunity. He will be dearly missed.
Larry is survived by his brother, Doug (Deb) Johnson; Anita (Todd) VanHorn; nieces; Stacy (Matt) McElliott; Megan (Tyler) Anderson; Brittany Johnson; 3 grandnieces and a grandnephew and his good friend Janet Moore. Larry also leaves behind countless friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Ankeny Community Theatre, Des Moines Playhouse or a charity of your choice in Larry's memory.
Please share a memory at https://www.celebratelifeiowa.com/obituary/494979/Larry-Johnson/
Tributes
"I met Larry at my 40th birthday party at Down Under. One of my friends had to cancel so Larry took her place. We called him Laura all night. We had do much fun and I made a wonderful friend that night. 10 years wasn't long enough. I still can't believe he's gone. "
"Still in shock about Larry's passing..miss the bike rides and talks we had. He was a very unique guy. RIP my friend."
"Thank you so much for those of you that have shared memories. They make me smile as I know of the memories shared, though I wasn't there. I always respected his special individual time with each of you. Please share more pictures and memories as it helps so much in the healing process. I could write a book after living with him for 16 years. There is so much to say about what a unique and extraordinary man he was and still is in my memories. "
"Oh what a shock to see this!!! Larry was one of my karaoke patrons at Grubb's Pub in Ankeny. He had a lovely, crooner voice!! We did some duets, although I never learned the Les Miserables songs for him. But we did lovely on White Christmas by the Coasters and Baby It's Cold Outside, even on days when it wasn't. He often sang Beauty School Drop-Out and others from favorite musicals. I am going to miss you Larry!! "