Gary Francis Johnson

BURLEY - Gary Francis Johnson, a 72-year-old longtime resident of Burley, and well-known businessman, died Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center in Twin Falls.

He was born on June 16, 1942, in Blair, Neb., the son of Raymond Francis and Elizabeth Jane (Frank) Johnson. He graduated from Burley High School in 1960. He married Karen Elizabeth Wahlstrom on April 29, 1963, in the St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church. Together, they had three children, Shauna, Darrin, and Deonna.

Gary worked as an insurance agent for 45 years where he owned and operated the Gary F. Johnson Insurance Company. The community will fondly remember him as the local Farmers Insurance agent. He dedicated his professional career to his devoted clients and loved being able to serve them.

He was a member of St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church and was active in the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and working around his home. He especially enjoyed yard work. However, most important to Gary was his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and simply enjoyed every minute spent in activities with them.

Gary is survived by his wife of 51 years, Karen Johnson of Burley; his children, Shauna Hiedeman, Darrin Johnson, and Deonna (Stephen) Wells; his beloved grandchildren, Lindsay Young, Jacob Hiedeman, Drendan Wells, Trevyn Wells, and MaKenna Wells; a great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Young; and his siblings, Mike (Linda) Johnson, and Marlene (Mike) Hill and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Robert Johnson.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at the St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 1601 Oakley Ave., in Burley, with the Rev. Father Julio Vicente as celebrant. Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and one hour prior to the funeral Mass on Friday at the church.