Van Craig Johnson

Van Craig Johnson, age 78, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2024 at Rocky Mountain Care Center in Evanston, Wyoming. He was born August 31, 1946 in Rexburg, Idaho to Roland Osborne and Flora Belle Jaques Johnson.

Van spent his early life raising beef, dairy cattle, pigs, sheep, and horses. He graduated from Madison High School in 1964 and then served a 2 1/2-year mission to Denmark where he fell in love with the land and the people so much that he returned later as a widower to work in the Copenhagen, Denmark LDS temple.

He married Barbara Jean Larsen on August 8, 1969, in the Idaho Falls, Idaho temple. Van provided for her and their four children initially as a loan officer then transitioned into bank management. His career was spent in Wyoming and Idaho. He loved the West and the outdoors. Camping wasn’t uncommon and an annual family trip to Jackson, Wyoming was always a must. There was no better bed than one under the stars.

He faithfully served the communities that he lived in. He has been part of Ducks Unlimited, Evanston Fire Department, Blackfoot Fire Department, Lions Club, and Rotary Club, to name a few. Wyoming winters couldn’t keep him from Evanston High School football games where he shot off a cannon with his wife and youngest son for any points made by the Red Devils.

Faith has always been an important part of his life. His scriptures were often open, temples always visited, and service was happily offered. Prayers were offered before every meal and every road trip. 

He retired from Banking in 2010 taking the opportunity to serve a service mission with his wife for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the employment center in Salt Lake, Utah.

One of the greatest services he offered was taking care of his wife for 2 years when she developed Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s until her passing in June 2016. 

Van is survived by his two sisters, Jeannene States and LuWana Roberts. He is also survived by his children, their spouses, and his 13 amazing grandchildren. Durk (Jane) Johnson, Mike (Rene’) Johnson, Tonya (Ryan) Brookhart, Travis Johnson.

Viewing will be Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held on August 8, Van and Barbara’s 55th wedding anniversary, at 11am. Both will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 201 Sage Street, Evanston, Wyoming.

The family expresses gratitude to the staff at Compassionate Journey and Rocky Mountain Care Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Evanston Fire Department Foundation.