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The Life of LAWRENCE J JOHNSON

Lawrence “Larry” Johnson, Sr. passed away October 7, 2015 after a long illness caused by leukemia. He was 80 years of age.

Lawrence was born July 15, 1935 to Carl and Edith (Kelly) Johnson of Urbandale, Iowa. He graduated from Urbandale High School in 1954, where he was active in both football and basketball.

On January 26, 1957, Lawrence married Ethel Towne and they became the parents of three sons: Larry, Randy, and Bob. In 1959, he began working for Firestone Tire where he remained employed until he retired in 1997.

After retirement, Lawrence enjoyed bowling on a Plaza Lanes league team, with his son, for several years. He had a variety of other interests as well, including traveling, doing yard work, and watching University of Iowa and Iowa State sports. He was also a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears. Throughout his life, Lawrence’s first priority was always his family. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his wife and his sons regardless of whether they were on vacation, watching a ballgame, or taking care of the yard.

The people who will treasure their memories of Lawrence include his loving wife, Ethel, his sons, Larry (Sandy) Johnson and Bob Johnson, his sister, Erma (Gene) Burt, his brothers, Richard Johnson and Ron (Bonnie) Johnson, sisters-in-law, Marge, Betty, Helen, and Zelma Johnson and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding Lawrence in death were his parents, Carl and Edith Johnson, his son, Randy Johnson, and his brothers, Oscar (Monica) Johnson, Walter, Charles, Carl, Roy, and Glen Johnson.

Per Lawrence’s wishes, he will be cremated and an informal, private memorial service will be held at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens.

The family also wishes to thank Dr. Magby Elsawy and his staff, Dr. Jose Angel and his staff, the staff at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, and especially, hospice nurse, Sue McIntosh, hospice social worker, Kelli Bredehoeft, and Chaplain Bobby Dickerson for their outstanding care and support of Lawrence and his family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice, 5820 Winwood Drive, Johnston, Iowa 50131.  

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