Leo Lucas Johs, a respected figure in the North Dakota community, passed away on October 29, 2025, at CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck. He was 93 years old and leaves behind a legacy of service, both to his family and his profession.
Born on a farm southeast of Napoleon, North Dakota, on October 18, 1932, Leo was the son of Sebastian and Elizabeth (Wagner) Johs. His family relocated to a farm in Burnstad, North Dakota, where he spent his formative years. In 1953, Leo was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving two years during the Korean conflict.
Following his military service, Leo pursued higher education, starting at Bismarck Junior College before transferring to the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. He graduated with a degree in accounting in 1959 and began his career at the North Dakota Farmers Union in Jamestown. Leo later worked for the State of North Dakota Auditor’s Office in Bismarck for two years before dedicating the remainder of his career to Farmers Union Insurance in Jamestown.
Leo’s commitment to his community extended beyond his professional life. He volunteered with the Jamestown Community Credit Union, serving on both the Supervisory Committee and the Board of Directors for an impressive 29 years. He officially retired from his career in 1994.
On February 7, 1959, Leo married Lillian Hellman. Together, they raised four children: Scott, Bruce, Nancy, and Rich, all of whom have since established their own families. Leo and Lillian shared a vibrant life, spending many of their retirement years in Mesa, Arizona, where they enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, ballroom dancing, and socializing with friends and family. In 2022, they returned to Bismarck.
Leo is survived by his wife, Lillian, and their children: Scott, Bruce, Rich, and Nancy (married to Steve Neff). He is also survived by his sister, Mary Ann (Larry) Leier, and brother, Edward Johs, as well as seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Lillian Scherr and Pauline Fettig, a brother, Anton Johs, and a daughter-in-law, Kimberly Johs.
A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 10:00 AM on November 3, 2025, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, located at 1919 N 2nd St, Bismarck. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass. Leo will be laid to rest at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan at 1:00 PM on the same day.
For those who wish to share memories or condolences, an online guestbook is available at www.eastgatefuneral.com. Leo Johs will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for his dedication to family and community.
