Larry Johnson passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on November 12, 2019 at his home in Modesto, California. Larry Orrin Johnson was born March 21, 1940, in Harvey, ND to Leslie and Olga (Opsal) Johnson. He grew up on the family farm near Manfred and attended Manfred Grade School. He then went on to Harvey High School, where his burly 6'6" physique led him to football stardom under the nickname, "Big John."  Larry graduated from North Dakota State University in 1962, with a degree in Agricultural Economics. He then moved to California and began an illustrious, nearly 50-year career as a leader in production quality for major companies in the frozen food industry. He worked briefly as a USDA inspector but then went to work as a Manager of Quality Control, first for Topco Associates, and later for the Stouffer Foods Corporation. Larry was subsequently hired by the JR Simplot Company and served in top management of Quality Control for the North American Division of Simplot, working between its corporate headquarters in Mexico City and points as far north as Seattle, Washington. After many years of this traveling, he spent the last part of his career in the Modesto area working for Patterson Frozen Foods, Inc. Following a brief attempt at retirement, Larry returned part-time to the work he loved, and he continued to work until three years ago.

Growing up, Larry's inquisitive mind led him into experimenting, inventing, and taking on varied projects. At age 13, he used the engine from a wringer washing machine to convert his bicycle into a motorbike. It had one speed (slow), but that still beat pedaling, and the hours he spent putt-putting along quiet country roads made all his hours of labor worthwhile. He soon graduated to automobiles and had no qualms about tearing down engines, transmissions, or anything else he thought needed his tinkering. Ultimately, whatever he worked on would be reassembled and back in running order.  Throughout his early years on the farm, Larry seemed to thrive on hard work, and farm life always remained close to his heart. During his many years in California, he never passed up an opportunity to come back to the farm and seek out projects to occupy his never-idle hands. He also was an avid reader, devouring books and articles on history, science, and other works of non-fiction.

Larry was married to Janet Bankhead, and they had two sons, Don and Stephen (Steve). Larry and Jan were later divorced and remained friends through the years. In 1982, Larry got together with Rosa Jones with whom he was blessed to spend the rest of his life. He was also devoted to her children, Mark and Karen, who added immeasurable joy to his life. During the kids' growing-up years, the family would spend every Sunday at Santa Cruz Boardwalk, a classic seaside amusement park. They also enjoyed parades, festivals, eating out, and Larry and Rosa's occasional trips to Las Vegas or Reno.

Larry was a kind and gentle man with impeccable integrity. He loved his family and was appreciative of the role each played in his life. He spoke proudly of Don's career accomplishments and Steve's musical talents. His grandson Nick's prowess in high school football and career service in the US Navy were sources of pride for Larry. He was happy with the family addition of Nick's wife, Tania, and the birth of great-granddaughter, Elaine.

Larry enjoyed Lynette's exuberance and positivity and Cindy's good nature. He was impressed by Karen's hard work and advancements in her field. He appreciated Mark for his helpfulness, and he was grateful to Anthony for his kindness to Karen and the kids. Larry immersed himself in the lives of his step-grandchildren and said that the energy of Aiden and Chris helped keep him young. When recently referring to the women in his family, Larry stated, "Karen is an angel, Jasmine is a princess, and Rosa is the queen!"

Larry is survived by Rosa Jones, his life partner of 37 years; sons, Don Johnson (Lynette) and Steve Johnson (Cindy Parks); grandson Nicholas (Nick) Johnson (Tania); great-granddaughter, Elaine Johnson; stepson, Mark Jones; stepdaughter, Karen Jones (Anthony Claudio); step-grandchildren, Isaiah Jones and Jasmine, Chris, and Aiden Lalic; siblings, Laverne Johnson (Gwyn Herman), James O. Johnson (Shirley Francis Johnson), Dianne Aull (Mark Swartz), and Marilyn Sjaastad; five nieces, one nephew, five great-nieces, and two great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David.

A memorial service will take place in the spring at Vang Lutheran Church, Manfred with burial in the church cemetery to follow.

Arrangements with Hertz Funeral Homes, Harvey, ND.