Larry John Johnson

Larry John Johnson, 70, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, with Claudia, Bryce, and Lori by his side at his home in Osakis, Minnesota. Larry was born on April 16, 1955, to Lewis and Jeanette (Folkert) Johnson in Rochester, Minnesota.

Larry attended grade school and high school through 11th grade in Rochester. He graduated from high school in Alexandria, Minnesota in 1973.

Larry worked a variety of jobs including Larry Steidl Tree Service, Cretex (Juno Inc.), and production manager at Dynamic Inc.

Larry married his true love, Claudia Marie Danelke on October 12, 1985. With their marriage he proudly became a father to Bryce and Shayna whom he loved so very much. They made their home in Alexandria, Minnesota until he was transferred. In 1998, they moved to Champlin, Minnesota where they had wonderful neighbors.

Larry could tell some great jokes, enjoyed fishing with his brother Don, golfing the Long Island Village St. Jude Cancer Tournament with Don, Rick, and Jerry, fishing at Lake of the Woods with his Carlos, Minnesota buddies. A memorable trip was to Costa Rica with Don, John, and Jim where he caught a marlin and mahi mahi. He enjoyed snorkeling when he went to all-inclusive resorts with Don and Lori, Rick and Steph, or Roger and Karen. The cruises with Rick and Steph brought much adventure like falling asleep on the beach after 1 beach-made Piña Colada! He said the greatest memories were tent camping with his kids and vacations with family, he was a family man.

Larry was diagnosed with ccRCC (kidney cancer) in July 2015 and was forced to retire from Dynamic Group in December 2016. The day Larry went in for diagnosis, we saw a huge, beautiful tour guide dragonfly. The dragonfly hung around for what seemed like hours and gave Larry a feeling of calmness and peace. That became his symbol, and he got it tattooed on his left shoulder. Larry was given 2-5 years when diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer, but proved them wrong and made it 9 years and 10 months, thanks to his fight and Dr. Jacobs at Minnesota Oncology.

January 2017 brought big changes for Larry and Claudia, with the purchase of a travel trailer, they started wintering at Long Island Village in Port Isabel, Texas. They soon realized purchasing a park model was the way to go. Larry made some great friends in Texas, even though he could not always participate he was there in spirit. He made sure he painted all the cupboards in the Texas home this winter as he knew he was getting weaker, he did not want to leave anything half done.

They sold their home in Champlin, moved to Grand Arbor in Alexandria, but apartment life was not for him. They moved to Osakis where he had a little shop he could go to.

Larry is survived by “The Best Caregiver Ever,” wife Claudia. He also said he had the best family ever, that he loved so very much: Son Bryce (Jenny) Danelke of Big Lake, Minnesota; Daughter Shayna (Chris) Emme of Hutchinson, Minnesota; his faithful 4 legged companion, Maya; Grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Mason, Makayla, Beau Denelke, and Chance Halligan; Brothers Bob (Cathy) of Zephyrhills, Florida, Don (Lori) of Osakis, Minnesota, and Port Isabel, Texas, Mark (Reonne) of Garfield, Minnesota; Brothers-In-Law Roger (Karen) Johnson of West Fargo, North Dakota, and Cory (Robin) Johnson of Kindred, North Dakota; along with 6 nieces, 1 nephew, and several great nieces and nephews.