Larry Dean Johnson

Larry Dean Johnson, 81 of Briggsdale CO passed away September 27, 2025. He was born February 9, 1944 to Harold (Buck) and Myrtle (Bix) Johnson in Deer Trail Colorado in a large family with three brother and two sisters.

At the age of 20, Larry enlisted in the Navy. While stationed in Guam only a short time, he met the love of his life... Elizabeth (Liz) Arriola. After a couple of months together, he asked her to marry him.

January 6, 1966 they were married in Tamuning, Guam. Over the course of 54 years of marriage, the couple raised six children together. Larry's many deployments over those years brought the family to Guam, Hawaii, Virginia and numerous military bases throughout California. After serving 20 years in the Navy, he decided to retire.

In March 1984 he made his final move to Briggsdale, Colorado. Larry loved living in the country with the fresh air and all the animals he could fit on the farm. He cared for his farm and garden with steady, kind hands. His work showed love for living things and a calm, everyday way of serving others.

Larry served on the Weld County School District RE-10J Briggsdale for 12 years. He was proud to be a member of the school board serving his community. Larry was a natural storyteller, always ready to dive into a tale-usually with his signature opening, "Have I told you about..." He had a seemingly endless supply of anecdotes from his Navy days and his childhood.

According to Larry, his greatest accomplishments are having his beautiful wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. This was his greatest love.

On November 9, 2020, during the pandemic, he lost his beloved wife Liz to Covid. His kids and grandkids gathered around him and helped him through this tragic time. Over the next five years he occupied his time with family events and going to Blackhawk and Central City.

He never left without a goodbye hug, a kiss and saying, "I love you".

Larry is survived by son Eddie (Valerie), Johnson of Lafayette CO, daughter Debra (Wayne) Grosz of Hoyt CO, daughter Becky (Brian) Walker of Evans CO, daughter Sandra (Jim) Lautzenheiser of Ft Collins CO, son John Johnson of Evans CO, sister Sunny Johnson of Briggsdale CO, sister Melody Anderson of Briggsdale CO, sister-in-law Joanne Johnson of Arvada CO, sister-in-law Karen Johnson of Wiggins CO, sister-in-law Ann Krause of Tamuning Guam, many nieces and nephews from Guam and the states, 20 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Myrtle Johnson, wife Elizabeth Johnson, son Joseph Johnson, In-laws Joseph and Perpetua Arriola, brother Harold Johnson, brother Gerald Johnson, brother Lanny Johnson, brother-in-law Jesse Arriola, brother-in-law Tony Arriola, sister-in-law Mary (Gabby) Aguon.

Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be sorrowfully missed.

He is now at peace, reunited with his loving wife and son.

A celebration of life will be 11:00am, October 6, 2025

Viegut Funeral Home

1616 N Lincoln Ave

Loveland CO 80538