- Date Of Birth: July 22, 1939
- Date Of Death: December 21, 2020
- State: Iowa
Leon J. Johnsrud, 81, passed away Monday, December 21, 2020 at his home in Des Moines, IA. Leon was born July 22, 1939 in Cresco, IA to Stuart and Grace (Barnes) Johnsrud. He graduated from Ruldophinum High School in Protivin, IA, and upon graduation he enlisted in the Army. Following his service in the Army, Leon attended Upper Iowa University and Creighton University. He worked for the FBI while living in Omaha, NE and it was in Omaha where he met Jude Wilkins. They married in 1961 and had two children, Stuart and Jackie, whom they raised in Cresco, IA. In 1989, Leon married Gail Frazier and they later divorced.
Leon’s work ethic was seeded while working at his father’s cheese factory in Schley, IA. A lifelong career in trucking began while picking up milk from local farmers and delivering it to the cheese factory. In the early 1960’s, Leon purchased a used semi-truck and began driving long-haul as a means to support his family. An entrepreneur at heart, Leon grew his business, finding opportunity in hauling milk and vegetable oils in tanker trucks. The family and business, Johnsrud Transport Inc., relocated to Des Moines in 1980 to further opportunities for growth. He continued to come to the office until COVID 19 made that no longer possible. Leon gave generously to those around him and was particularly proud of the long term tenure of many of his employees, including family members.
He is survived by his daughter, Jackie (Jeff) Gordon of Bondurant, IA and three siblings, TJ Johnsrud of Conrad, IA, Linda Gebhardt and Lowell Johnsrud, both of Des Moines, along with many nieces and nephews. He was also survived by his former wife and friend, Jude Johnsrud of Johnston, IA, who has since passed away. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Stuart, and brother-in-law, Bill Gebhardt.
