Gary Lee Johnson

Gary Lee Johnson, age 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 on December 22, 2025.

Gary was the 3rd 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, it was noted in his senior yearbook 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 graduation 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 much of the German language. Gary was honorably discharged in December of 1960. Gary served faithfully and was proud to be a US soldier and loved 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 the 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 West Life Insurance Company. He was working on his doctoral thesis in Theoretical Physics when medical issues interfered with completion of 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 to dance the western two-step. 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 the Bichon Frise. Over the years, he and his wife rescued five Bischons. His favorite was Billie Boy, who 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 recently became a Huron Ohio resident when health concerns necessitated that she move closer to family in Ohio. 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 held later in the spring. Burial will be at the Alliance, Nebraska Veterans Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in Gary’s name to: Namaste Hospice, 5161 East Arapahoe Road, Centennial, Colorado 80122 or to Disabled American Veterans.

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