Johnny L Grosgebauer

Johnny Lee Grosgebauer, 76, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mandan. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Parish Vigil at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church.

Johnny was born to Albert and Emma (Entzel) Grosgebauer on March 25, 1949, in Mandan, ND. He was raised in the Mandan and Huff areas and attended local schools before enlisting in the United States Army. On February 1, 1969, he married the love of his life, Sharlene Helbling. Together they raised four children: Jeri Lee, John, Jason, and Jessica. Spending time with his children and grandchildren was one of his greatest joys.

After returning from Vietnam and completing his military service (Feb. 4, 1969 – Sept. 9, 1970), during which he proudly earned the Bronze Star Medal for heroism in ground combat, Johnny worked for the Bernard Smith Farm, Melroe, Earth Builders, Eagles Nest, Aerial Contractors, and Anderson Western until his retirement. He spent many years traveling with road construction crews and found countless friends and interesting places along the way.

A proud lifelong resident of Huff, Johnny spent his youth working in and around the area. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing cards and socializing in Bernie’s garage with family and friends. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, hunt, and ride snowmobiles. He enjoyed spending time in his shop, where he was always tinkering, fixing, or chopping wood. In more recent years, he loved spending time at Devil’s Lake with his family and “calling up” his friends and relatives to BS, ask what they were doing, and—when asked what he was doing—reply, “talking to you.”

Johnny is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Sharlene, of Huff; his children, John (Dana) Grosgebauer of Oakes and Jessica May of Mandan; and his grandchildren, Preston and Pacey Grosgebauer of Oakes; Cecelia and Leah Grosgebauer, and their mother Amanda Peleschak of Lincoln, ND; and Trenten and Walker May of Mandan. He is also survived by his sisters, Darlene Berger and Lyndell Metzger, both of Mandan; brother, George Smith, Huff; his “crazy Helbling in-laws”; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members; "adopted" nieces, Kristey Schaedler and Jo Ann Edmondson Wetsch; and many lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jeri Lee Grosgebauer; son, Jason Grosgebauer; parents, Albert Grosgebauer and Emma Smith; step-father, Alden George Smith; brother, Warren Grossgebauer; brother-in-law, Joe Berger; parents-in-law, Leo and Antoinette “Nettie” Helbling; brothers-in-law, Dennis Helbling and Darwin Helbling; nephews, Fred Berger and Todd Grossgebauer; and nieces, Nicky Lyn Helbling and Faith Corbin.

Johnny will be remembered for his hard work, strong spirit, quick wit, and the deep love he held for his family and friends. His presence will be missed, but his memory will live on in all who knew and loved him.