Gary Johnson Obituary

Gary Lee Johnson

Nov 23, 1939 - Dec 22, 2025

Highlands Ranch, CO

Gary Lee Johnson, 86, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, was born November 23, 1939, at St. Joseph Hospital, Alliance, Nebraska. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, December 22, 2025.

Gary was the third child born to Burrel B. Johnson and Livonia H. Johnson Tucker.

Gary grew up in Alliance, Nebraska, where he graduated from Alliance High School in 1957. Known for his great wit and sense of humor, his senior yearbook noted that Gary would most likely be the inventor of the flat-less tire. (He was known to be putting air in his tires both at lunch and after school.)

After graduating and before entering the US Army in 1958, Gary was employed by Pepsi-Cola and Cashway Candy Company. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, where he received his basic training as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne. He accomplished many jumps while stationed in Germany, where he also learned the German language. Gary was honorably discharged in December 1960. Gary served faithfully and was proud to be a US soldier, serving his country.

Gary received a Bachelor's degree in mathematics from Chadron State College Cum Laude, and was a member of the Cardinal Key Club. While attending college, Gary worked as a brakeman with Burlington Northern Railroad and seasonally on the 1880 train in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

After graduation, Gary accepted a job with the government at Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo, New Mexico. Gary moved to Colorado to further his career with the City of Denver as a systems analyst and received his master's degree from the University of Denver. He subsequently worked at NCR for many years and retired from Great Western Life Insurance Company. He was working on his doctoral thesis in Theoretical Physics when medical issues prevented him from completing his degree.

Gary was a kind, soft-spoken man who loved his family and would help in any way without question. Gary had a witty sense of humor and was loved by all who met him. He especially enjoyed fellowship with Veteran friends by attending breakfast Bible Studies with them. He was an active member of Highlands Baptist Church. Gary's athletic abilities included baseball, tennis and skiing. He loved the mountains of Colorado and was a proud "Western Boy." Gary also had a love for animals, especially dogs. His favorite breed was Bichon Frise's and "Billie Boy" always had a special place in Gary's heart.

Gary was united in marriage with his wife, Suzanne Koegle-Johnson, June 2, 1984, in Littleton, Colorado. Suzanne, a 1959 Sandusky High School graduate, recently became a resident of Huron, Ohio, when health concerns necessitated moving closer to family. Gary is survived by Suzanne; a son, Marc A. Johnson; brother, Larry E. Johnson (Janet) of Omaha, Nebraska; sisters, Virginia (Ginger) Szabo (Pete) Homosassa, Florida; Beverly Kosloski (Danny) Homosassa, Florida; Debra Bowenkamp (John) Naples, Florida; and Diana Stanley (Mike) Box Elder, South Dakota. Gary will be missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers, Dennis and Douglas; and sister, Connie J. Foreman.

A celebration of life will be in the spring. Burial will be at Veterans Cemetery, Alliance, Nebraska.

Memorial contribu-tions can be made in Gary's name to Namaste Hospice, 5161 East Arapahoe Road, Centennial, Colorado 80122 or Disabled American Veterans.