Leo Lucas Johs, a respected member of the North Dakota community, passed away on October 29, 2025, at CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck. He was 93 years old. Born on a farm southeast of Napoleon, North Dakota, on October 18, 1932, Leo was the son of Sebastian and Elizabeth (Wagner) Johs. His early years were spent on a farm in Burnstad, North Dakota, where he was raised alongside his family.
In 1953, during the Korean conflict, Leo was drafted and served for two years in the U.S. Army. Following his military service, he pursued higher education, first enrolling at Bismarck Junior College and later transferring to the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Leo graduated with a degree in accounting in 1959, marking the beginning of a successful career.
After graduation, Leo started working for the North Dakota Farmers Union in Jamestown. He then joined the State of North Dakota Auditor’s Office in Bismarck for two years. Subsequently, he dedicated the remainder of his professional life to Farmers Union Insurance in Jamestown. In addition to his career, Leo contributed to his community by volunteering with the Jamestown Community Credit Union, where he served on the Supervisory Committee and Board of Directors for nearly three decades.
Leo married Lillian Hellman on February 7, 1959. Together, they raised four children: Scott, Bruce, Nancy, and Rich, in Jamestown. The couple enjoyed a fulfilling retirement in Mesa, Arizona, where they embraced activities such as golfing, ballroom dancing, and playing bridge. They moved back to Bismarck in 2022 to be closer to family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Lillian; sons Scott (Scottsdale, AZ), Bruce (Scottsdale, AZ), and Rich (West Burlington, IA); daughter Nancy (Steve) Neff (Sioux Falls, SD); sister Mary Ann (Larry) Leier (Valley City, ND); and brother Edward Johs (Fargo, ND). Leo also leaves behind seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lillian Scherr and Pauline Fettig, brother Anton Johs, and daughter-in-law Kimberly Johs.
A Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, located at 1919 N 2nd St, Bismarck. Visitation will occur one hour prior to the Mass, with burial following at 1:00 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.
Community members wishing to honor Leo’s memory can sign the online guestbook and share their stories at www.eastgatefuneral.com. His legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched throughout his lifetime.
