Larry Dean Johnson Obituary (1962

Larry Dean Johnson, 59, passed away peacefully from complications of a stroke, surrounded by family on July 12, 2021 at 4:44 pm at OSF St. Joseph Hospital. He was born May 1, 1962 to John "Jake" Franklin Johnson and Thelma Marie Andreae in Farmer City, IL. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life/Visitation on Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home in LeRoy. A family graveside service will be held on Friday. Larry's parents separated when he was young and he spent a year living with his Uncle Paul and Aunt Mildred Campbell. That single year was so precious and formed a lasting bond with his aunt. He liked to joke that he went to kindergarten in Scotland and spent the weekends in Paris. But he was referring to the Illinois locations, not overseas. Larry returned to Farmer City to be raised by his dad and stepmother, Sandra Lamb Johnson. He remained close to his mother throughout his life. Larry graduated from Farmer City-Mansfield High School in 1980. He was always a proud Blue Devil. Even years later, after he moved to LeRoy, he refused to wear maroon whenever LeRoy played Farmer City. He was true blue. He was always in touch with classmates and sorrowed over those lost too early. He attended all the reunions, even the informal ones on Friday nights. Following high school, he chose a career in the transportation industry as a freight broker. He worked at Roberson Transportation for 20 years and Select Logistics Network for 17 years. He was a charter member of the Sons of American Legion Post 55. Larry married Andrea "Andy" Menough on January 22, 2005. They chose to settle in the rural LeRoy area, finding joy in their small hobby farm. Their daughter Allena Frances Johnson was born and became the pride and joy of his life. Larry spent his whole life serving others - whether it was helping family, neighbors, or just the random stranger. His motto in life was 'See a problem, fix a problem.' He always looked for the best ways to not put burdens on others, including not eating at potlucks because he wanted to make sure there was enough food for others. Larry loved playing golf - even when he shanked his drive far out into the rough. He loved taking his irons out into the front yard and hitting balls. More often than not, we spent time walking through the corn looking for them. He loved learning and stretching his horizons. He taught himself how to code a computer and write a software program. He loved a good puzzle and would spend many hours figuring out how things worked. He was the best provider to all who knew him. His greatest accomplishments in life were his family - Daddy, Mommy, and Allena "Goosy" Bumwaggler. We were three peas in a pod. He is survived by his wife, Andy and his daughter Allena; parents, Jake & Sandie Johnson of Farmer City, IL; mother, Marie Banks of Salt Lake City, UT; brother, John (Steve) Johnson of Salt Lake City, UT; stepsiblings, Rick (Donna) Niepoetter of Sandoval, IL; Billie (Bobby) Ireland of Sandoval, IL; Theresa (Tom) Ingles of Sandoval, IL; Debbie (Dennis) Laverty of Sandoval, IL; and Aaron Neipoetter of Mesa, AZ; parents-in-law, Jon and Patricia Menough of Elk City, ID; brothers-in-law, Warren (Jennifer) Menough of Emporia, KS; David (Jillian) Menough of Richmond, TX; Mike Menough of Anchorage, AK; and Jacob (Mona) Menough of Davis, CA; his paternal aunt Judy Johnson of Pontiac, IL; his maternal aunt Geraldene Brannock of Farmer City, IL; his maternal aunt Delores Andreae of Atwood, Il; his "work wife" Lisa (Julie) Edwards of Clinton, IL; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by many aunts and uncles, including Mildred, who welcomed him to heaven with open arms. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Larry's Stroke Fund at https://www.facebook.com/donate/2538575712954737/