John S. Ehlis

John Simon Ehlis, 85, was called to his eternal home in Heaven on August 15, 2026, at Miller Pointe Nursing Home in Mandan, North Dakota, surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Spirit of Life Catholic Church in Mandan on Friday, August 21, at 10:30am., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery.

John was born August 22, 1940, in Mandan, North Dakota, to John C. and Veronica (Stein) Ehlis. He spent his early childhood on the family farm in northwest Mandan and attended school in Mandan.

On November 27, 1958, John married the love of his life, Margaret Belohlavek, in Mandan. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work, and dedication. They raised four children and established a successful trucking business, John Ehlis and Sons Trucking. In time, the family business grew to include three sons and a son-in-law, making it truly a family affair.

John took great pride in his work and enjoyed driving truck. He also enjoyed drinking coffee with friends at local cafés and truck stops, talking about cars, and keeping up with what everyone was driving. In fact, "What are you driving?" was a question John was known for asking in nearly every conversation, no matter what stage of life he was in.

John is survived by his siblings, Linda (Ken) Renner and Arlene Mook (Bob); sister-in-law, Faye Ehlis; and his children, John C. (Michelle) Ehlis of Mandan, Tracy (Gene) Auch of Wisconsin, and Randall (Catherine) Ehlis of Mandan; 17 grandchildren, Amanda Ehlis, Christina (Jeremy) Lensmire, Samantha (Matt) Warner, Brandyn (Keri) Ehlis, Leaha (Dan) Tentis, Mike (Halie) Auch, Brittany (Mike) Kennedy, Adrianne Ehlis, John Auch, Torrea (Geoff) West, Taylor (Mike) Hawkins, Mariah (Joel) Kraft, Todd (Cassie) Auch, Kala (Cameron) VanDunk, Moriah (Nate) Jennerman, Travis Auch, and Mackenzie (Sam) Lutzke; and 48 great-grandchildren.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, John C. Ehlis and Veronica (Stein) Ehlis Mook; his stepfather, Chris Mook; his beloved wife, Margaret; his son, Todd; his great-grandson, Mason; and his brother, Joe.

His legacy will live on through the family he loved and the many lives he touched throughout his 85 years. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by his family and friends.