Larry Wayne Johnson, 79, of Redfield, SD, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen, SD.  Respecting Larry's wishes, he has been cremated and a private committal service will take place at Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield at a later date.  Reverend Tammy Toepke-Floyd will officiate.  Thelen-Hyke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. (www.thelen-hykefuneralhome.com)

Larry Wayne Johnson was born on March 20, 1938 in Redfield to Wayne and Martha (Baird) Johnson.  He proudly graduated with the Class of 1957 from Redfield High School.   Larry married Nancy Shantz on May 23, 1957 and to this union, two children were born:  Debra Ann and Bruce Allen.  Larry and Nancy just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

While in high school, Larry began working at Sunshine State Dairy and continued working there after his marriage.  Then, he was a bulk fuel delivery driver for Stan Rabuck.  In 1969, Larry and Nancy started their own business, Johnson Oil Company.  Redman Gas was purchased in the late 1970's which added propane to their company.  Larry semi-retired in 1998 and then he and Nancy began to travel to Arizona each winter.  He fully retired in the early 2000's.

In his early years, Larry enjoyed hunting and fishing.  They had a house at Cottonwood Lake for many years which provided many happy memories.  He greatly enjoyed doing yardwork at the lake.  His spare time was spent at the river, camping and fishing.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Nancy of Redfield; his daughter, Debra (Dave) Schaffer of Redfield and their children:  Nicole Schaffer (Tim) Jenner; Allison Schaffer and her son, Zeke; and Jaclyn (Rick) Turner.  He is also survived by his son, Bruce Johnson of Redfield and his children:  Wendy Johnson and her children, Dylan and Sullivan; Stephanie Johnson and her children, Lester and Benson; and Elizabeth (Ryan) Watson and their children, Trinity, Evan and McKenzie.  Larry will also be missed by his beloved dog, Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his two grandsons:  Matthew and Timothy; his parents-in-law, Oren and Josie Shantz and his sister-in-law, Joan Kegler.

Condolences may be sent to Nancy at:  1122 W 6th Street; Redfield, SD   57469