Albert Lawrence Johnson, Jr.

Albert Lawrence Johnson, Jr. “Larry” September 14, 1934 – April 20, 2026 Albert Lawrence Johnson, Jr. — known to family and friends as Larry, and to his daughters as the world’s most patient man — was born on September 14, 1934, in Negaunee, Michigan. He was the son of Albert Lawrence, Sr., a mining superintendent, and Ethel (Silfven) Johnson. From an early age, Larry seemed to cultivate the steady calm that would define his life. Larry graduated from Michigan Technological University with an electrical engineering degree in 1958, launching both a career and a lifetime habit of thoughtful problem-solving. In 1959, he began working for Honeywell in Minneapolis in the Avionics Division, where his competence designing microcircuitry and gyroscopes for NASA’s Apollo and Space Shuttle programs served him well for 40 years. Also in 1959, Larry married the love of his life, Patricia Lee Veire, on June 27 in Pipestone, Minnesota. Together, he and Pat built a life marked by devotion, humor, faith and an extraordinary ability to weather life’s many moments (with Larry calmly waiting, fixing and measuring multiple times). Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Pat, and their four daughters: Brenda (Very Rev. Fr. Brian Andrew) Jaye of Duluth, Minn., Laurel (Thomas) Bradley of Antigo, Wis., Cheryl (Glenn) Brooke of Rockford, Minn., and Kirsten (Dr. Robert) Pitts, of New Haven, Vt. Larry was a proud grandfather to Andrew (Sara), Stefan (Leta) and Alexander Jaye; Benjamin, Rev. Fr. Adam, Jacob (Jamie) Bradley, Emily (Joshua) Peloquin and Daniel (Haley) Bradley; Katherine Nelson (Jose’ Rangel Perea Morales), Mary (Nate) Kotter; Amy and Lydia Pitts. Larry and Pat delighted in their 17 great-grandchildren who brought them endless joy—and many opportunities for Larry to practice his legendary patience and good humor. Larry and Pat lived in their New Brighton, Minn., home for 66 years. With pockets perpetually supplied with tape measure, Swiss Army knife, many quarters and a hanky, he remodeled, upgraded and maintained their home as a place of pride, comfort, many games of dominoes and frequent family gatherings. Larry’s workshop was his happy place. There, he built furniture and crafted countless items for their home and the homes of his daughters — projects completed with care, precision and no visible rush whatsoever. Larry loved travel, fly fishing, woodworking, history, science and all things family. He was always ready to lend a hand, listen — or watch Public Television. His daughters maintain that if patience were an Olympic sport, he would have won gold. Faith was central to Larry and Pat’s life together. They were faithful parishioners of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in New Brighton since 1959, grounding their family in a strong sense of community and shared values. Larry will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a master craftsman, and a man whose steady presence made others feel at ease. His gentle humor and kindness left a lasting imprint on all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed.

Albert Lawrence Johnson, Jr.

September 14, 1934 - April 20, 2026

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