Larry Johnson

About Larry

David “Larry” Lawrence Johnson was born in Aitkin, MN on December 28, 1943, to John A. and Laura F. Johnson. He died Sunday, September 25 at his home, just how he wanted.

He was raised and attended school in Palisade, MN.

In January of 1961, he joined the US Army. Larry was stationed in many places but especially enjoyed being stationed in Germany. Larry eventually and voluntarily served two tours in Vietnam. His first tour he was assigned to a reconnaissance unit in MACV. He received a Bronze Star Medal for heroism in action from November 1965 to October 1966. He received an Army Commendation Medal for heroism from General Westmoreland for his actions on December 23, 1965. His second tour he was assigned to the 11th Infantry Brigade of the 23rd Infantry Division. As a Sergeant he received two medals in one day, March 20, 1968. He was awarded a second Bronze Star and a second Army Commendation Medal both for heroism. When he returned home to the states he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Infantry.

Larry became a police officer in the early 1970’s, working for the Park Rapids Police Department and the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office. He was elected as Hubbard County Sheriff in 1978 and served as Sheriff until he retired in January of 1999. Larry graduated from the FBI Academy in 1988. After a year of retirement, when boredom set in, he applied to and was accepted as a United Nations Peacekeeper, and in the summer of 2001, was deployed for 18 months in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He was a member of the Park Rapids American Legion and Palisade VFW.

Larry’s real retirement started after he completed his mission in Bosnia. He bought a house in Texas and spent winters with new friends. He especially enjoyed his time on the Cunningham Ranch and hog hunting with his friend Dob. Larry loved to travel, whether alone or with friends and family, visiting friends all over the U.S. His Minnesota time was spent golfing, riding his ranger, spending time with his family, socializing with friends and deer hunting.

Larry was proceeded in death by his parents, his brothers James and Jack and his sister Lorna. He is survived by his son Buck (Laura) Johnson, daughters Jill (Troy) Christenson, JoLynn Johnson, sister Ginger (Darryl) Lamke, sister-in-law Donna Johnson, 11 grandkids, 2 great grandkids and his best friend Molly.

memorial service

Celebration of Life for Larry

October 8, 2022

Location: Clancy’s Restaurant north of Park Rapids from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Cease Funeral Home Chapel in Park Rapids. Masonic prayers at 7:00 p.m. with military honors to follow. Honorary Urn Bearers are current and retired members of the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Department.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home