Leon Molzahn, Jr. 68, of Bismarck, ND, formerly of Stanley, ND passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019 at the Missouri Slope Care Center in Bismarck, ND.

Leon Jr. was born on February 23, 1951 to Leon Molzahn Sr. and Anet Molzahn (Mahlum) in Minot, ND. He would later become known as “Gooner” because Junior was difficult for some to say. He grew up on the Molzahn farm southwest of Ross, ND. He attended school in Stanley where he graduated from Severson High School in 1969. After graduating, he attended Wyoming Technical Institute in Laramie and received his Auto Mechanics and Diesel Mechanics diplomas.

Throughout his life, Leon held many occupations from roughnecking and mechanics to truck driving and farming. Leon also started a drilling business around 1980 while drilling the start of water wells throughout eastern Montana and western North Dakota for the following five years. Over the years, he enjoyed taking care of his animals from ducks and geese to pigs and cattle while helping on his dad and cousins farm.

Leon was united in marriage to Debra Beehler on June 24, 2010. Leon and Deb enjoyed visiting their children and grandchildren, playing card games with family and taking drives. In the later years, Leon enjoyed getting ice cream with his grandkids. He was once married to Sheila Hendrickson and to this union two children were born.

Leon is survived by his children: Shannon Molzahn (Bill) of Miles City, Lynn Molzahn (Crystal) of Bismarck, Collette Cotton (Lance) of Kenmare, Chris Beehler (Dianna) of Stanley, Patrick Beehler (Holly) of Castle Rock CO, and Dennis Beehler of Stanley and 15 grandchildren. Four sisters: Mary Olivas (Sam) of Albuquerque NM, Shirley Monger (Jim) of Gillette WY, Betty Lidstrom (Lenny) of Stanley, and Sharon Molzahn of Minot ND and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Leon is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Deb, two of his sisters, Ilona Rossman and Martha Johnson, and his infant granddaughter Skylah.