Larry Johnson, 78, of the Fontanelle and Greenfield area, Sept. 1, 2016

Larry Eugene Johnson was born to Thomas and Fannie (Bloom) Johnson Kapfer on Aug. 15, 1938 and passed away on Sept. 1, 2016, at Westhaven Community, Boone, Iowa, at the age of 78. 

He attended country school and finished his education at Richland Community High School, Richland, Iowa. After graduation he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Spain. On arrival home, he married Janette Lois Spring on Dec. 3, 1961. 

Their first home was in Sweetwater, Texas. After his discharge, he and Janette moved to Corning, Iowa, where he drove a bread truck until they moved to the farm south of Richland. They lived in various locations until they bought their home east of Greenfield. Over the years, he farmed, worked for Wallace Auto Supply, Ehrsam Implement and finally worked for Schildberg’s Incorporated.

To this union three children were born: Raymond Eugene, Belinda Marie and Curtis Alan. During Larry and Janette’s marriage, they liked to travel, camp and go fishing along with spending time with grandchildren and children.

Larry was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, serving on numerous committees with Janette. Larry was also a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge in Prescott, Iowa. Larry joined the National Guard and had the privilege of going to Alaska, Minnesota and Wisconsin for guard camp. Between the National Guard and the Air Force, he retired with 20 years of service.

In the year 2000 he lost Janette and later married Kathryn Dietrich in 2002. They made their home in Fontanelle, Iowa until Kathryn passed away Dec. 19, 2012. Larry and Kathryn liked to travel.

Due to declining health, he moved to Westhaven Community to be near to his daughter Belinda. He was well liked at the facility by the staff and residents. He always had a joke to tell the staff.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Janette and Kathryn; son, Curtis Alan; parents; father and mother-in-law, Clyde and Winnie; and brother–in-law, Kenneth Black.

He is survived by son Raymond (Teresa) of Papillion, Neb.; daughter Belinda Lawson (Robert) of Jefferson, Iowa; grandchildren Paige, Justine of Jefferson, Joycelyn of California and step-grandson Johnathan (Jordan) of Atlantic, Iowa; step-grandchildren Dawn Robinson and Jo Lynn Lamont; four step great-grandchildren Mark, James, Alexis and Samuel; step great grandchild Klayton. Also surviving him are Kathryn’s daughters Dottie Sweet (John) of Colorado and their children Harley and Morgan, and Debbie Dietrich of Oregon; brother, Leland (Roberta) of Orient, Iowa, and sister Jo-Ann Sturdy of Fontanelle; sister-in-law Clytha Black of Lenox, Iowa; Berdine (Florence) Spring of California; Larry (Diane) Spring of Lenox; Reldon (Lometa) Spring of Las Vegas; David (Laurie) of Des Moines; Diane (Dean) of Kearney, Missouri; nieces, nephews and others.

Funeral services were held Sept. 7, 2016, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Fontanelle, with Pastor Steven Broers officiating.

Music was recorded selections “Walking After Midnight,” “Hotel California” and “One More Day.”

Pallbearers were Mike Sturdy, Adam Woosley, Scott Armstrong, Neil Ernst, Doak Grantham and Justin Crawford.

Honorary pallbearers were all of his grandchildren, Bill Harter, Harry Carr and Leo Weinheimer.

Floral committee was Gloria Ernst and Cindy Grantham.

Interment was at Greenfield Cemetery, Greenfield, Iowa with full military graveside rites by Greenfield American Legion Head-Endres Post No. 265 and V.F.W. Post No. 5357.

The Steen Funeral Home in Greenfield was in charge of the professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.steenfunerals.com.