Leopold Leo Roehrich

Leopold Roehrich, 81, went to the Lord, February 22, 2012, surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 am Monday, February 27, at Church of St. Mary, Bismarck, with Rev. Gene Lindemann officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm Sunday, February 26, at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck, where a rosary/vigil will begin at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Leo was born in Linton, ND, on March 10, 1930, to Anton and Rosina Roehrich. He was raised in the Emmons County area where he spent his childhood on the family farm with his parents and siblings. In his youth, he enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, and hunting. As a young man, Leo met his life partner of 60 years, Cecilia Klein in Linton. He made her his bride June 11, 1951. As newlyweds, they honeymooned in Milwaukee and made it their home for 5 years. Leo worked in manufacturing. They had their first two children in Milwaukee. They moved back to Bismarck to raise their family in a smaller community. Leo was employed by the City of Bismarck in the Water Department. The family grew to a total of 9 children. As a talented carpenter, he constructed his own home and many of its furnishings. His children and grandchildren have pieces of his craftmanship to forever treasure. Leo's greatest joy was spending time with his family. Special events were always celebrated with his famous home-churned ice cream and homemade fudge frosting. Leo took great pride in his family and was blessed with three generations. In retirement, Leo was a very active volunteer at Dakota Boys Ranch, Brighten's, and the Senior Center where he received the MA Werner award for his outstanding volunteer work. St. Mary's Church was a big part of his life where he ushered and volunteered for many events. Leo was always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed woodworking, dancing, bowling, dice games, word-finds, pinochle and spending time at the family cabin. One of Leo's specialties was baking Christmas cookies and making homemade noodles. He was a great conversationalist and enjoyed meeting people and making new friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Cecilia; nine children: Daniel Lesa, Washington; Donna Larry Bumann, New Salem; Gary Peggy, Bismarck; Judy Marty Hojian, Bismarck; Jeanne Clifford Emmert, South Dakota; James Sheila, Bismarck; Marcus Caroline, Bismarck; Larry, Bismarck; and Kevin, Bismarck. Grandchildren left with fond memories of Grandpa are Joshua Laura, Jacob, Theresa Grant, Sheila Brian Blotsky, Justin Bumann, Dustin Nicky Holzworth, Amber Chad Teske, Sabrina Ryan Bear, Curtis Mandy Hojian, Nathan Amanda Emmert, Autumn Eric Mahler, Travis Jennifer Emmert, Breanna Emmert, Allie, Tyler, Kate, Mary and Gage. Loving third generation include, Noah and Anna Roehrich, Ariel and Gavin Grant, Sierra Blotsky, Christian, Sydney and Gabriel Holzworth, Rose Hoveden, Isabella Teske, Brayton Bear, Kassy Hojian, Oliver and Mason Emmert, Zoey, Alexis and Kennedy Emmert. He also leaves behind brothers and sisters; Matthew, Nick, Eva, Berndette Watkins, Rosina Eymann and Isabella Klein. Leo's generous spirit will continue to live on through many generations.

Leopold Leo Roehrich

March 10, 1930 - February 22, 2012