Photo courtesy of Nelson Funeral Home - Maddock
Jun 29, 1934 - Oct 25, 2021 (Age 87)
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the memories you shared with this special person. Prayers to all of John's family.
Judy and Coby Barstad
November 15, 2021 | Sheyenne, ND
My thoughts and prayers are with your family, and especially Marilyn. Memories of the years past will bring you comfort, but I know the loss will be felt forever. I always say, "Not gone ~ just gone on ahead". Love to all, Audrey Herman
Audrey Herman
November 03, 2021 | MINNEWAUKAN, ND | Friend
Conway family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Jessica MIchaels
jessica michaels
October 29, 2021 | Grand Forks, ND
Just saw in the newspaper that John had passed away. Thoughts and prayers to you, Marilyn and family. I have lots of great memories of our years in High School together. He was such a great guy!
Dorelee Gustafson-Hodenfield
October 29, 2021 | Ray, ND
I remember John coming to visit here in Ireland It was so great to get to know my cousin and family . You are in the thoughts and prayers of all Conway’s here in Dungarvan at this very difficult time. From Frances Conway
Frances Conway
October 29, 2021 | Dungarvan, Co. Waterford,Ire | Family
I will miss you forever and love you always, Grandpa.
Lori Esprit
October 28, 2021 | Lutz, FL | Grandchild
John was quite an interesting character and I remember visiting with him when Vicki and Amy and I used to come to Leeds. Prayers to the whole family. I can remember all 10 of the kids lining up for pictures years ago I will remember him with much fondness
Phil Hohm
October 28, 2021 | Huron, SD
When I started high school, Leeds started the girl's basketball program again. Although we didn't have many fans at the beginning, we always knew that Johnny and Marilyn would be there with Cara to cheer us on. It makes me smile every time I think about Johnny's voice echoing across the nearly empty Munich gym! My sympathy to all of the Conway clan and may you be comforted by the wonderful memories of Johnny.
Kaye Nelsen
October 28, 2021 | Leeds, ND
We are so very sorry to hear of Johnny's passing. He was such a wonderful man and we know he will be missed beyond measure. ❤
Alyson Myhre
October 27, 2021 | Sheyenne, ND
John R. Conway Jr., 87, of Leeds, ND passed away Monday, October 25, 2021 in Bismarck, ND under the care of hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at Leeds Lutheran Church. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Leeds Lutheran Cemetery. Everyone is welcome to stream the service online through Nelson Funeral Home Facebook Page. In lieu of Flowers, memorials are preferred to your local food pantry or charity of your choosing in Johnny’s name.
John R. Conway Jr. was born on June 29, 1934, to Sophia (Oeffner) and John Conway on the family farm in Leeds Township in North Dakota. He was baptized in the Leeds Congregational Church and Confirmed as an adult in the Leeds Lutheran Church. Johnny was educated and graduated from Leeds Public School. He married the love of his life, Marilyn Ann Johnson, at Brinsmade Lutheran Church on June 29, 1952. They had ten children together. He died at the age of 87 on October 25, 2021, surrounded by family in Bismarck, ND.
Johnny spent his life farming and raising livestock. He began his career at an early age on the homestead north of Leeds, learning alongside his father, making it his lifelong vocation. A man of many talents, Johnny also did winter jobs working for the Butte Montana Copper Mines, Great Plains Lumber, Himle Plumbing and Larson Implement Dealership. The side job he loved best, however, was when he was able to take on the title of Mr. Mom for Cara and the grandkids during the winter months. Johnny was active in his community, serving as a Deacon of the church, Luther League Advisor, and Sunday school teacher, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the Farmers Elevator.
As a leader of the Explore and Cub Scouts, he was able to share his passion of the outdoors with generations of kids. His biggest passion was his family. Johnny could be found sitting in the stands and hanging out on the sidelines, supporting his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in their sports, music, theater, and other activities. Johnny was also a volunteer driver for the Benson County Social Services and enjoyed the conversations during the long rides. He and Marilyn were honored with a Leeds Sports Booster Fan Award for their years of cheering on the local sports teams.
Johnny is best known for his enormous smile, that twinkle in his eye, and his infectious laugh. Now, well known as the ‘Conway Laugh. Johnny taught us all how to treat others by the example of how he loved Marilyn. His love for her was immeasurable and indescribable, but could be felt by spending even a few minutes around them. Johnny would tell you that he spent his life sitting and listening. He had a way of making whoever he was with feel like they were special, but all who loved him can attest to his ability to make each one of us feel like we stood out, even in the crowd of family. It is a blessing that we will greatly miss, along with his hugs and booming laughter. Johnny was not afraid to share his faith openly with each of us throughout his life and more often throughout this past year. He wanted to assure us of Heaven’s existence, and this isn’t goodbye but an “until we meet again” moment.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Marilyn; children, Nancy (Michael) Farbo of Cando, Patricia (Lorin) Haagenson of Leeds, Debra (David) Whalen of San Diego, CA, Kimberly (Derry) Jones of Lake Bronson, MN, Cathy (Steve) Long of Mandan, Coleen (Edward) Christ of Bismarck, Jan (Gregory) Berg of Olathe, KS, John (Nancy) Conway of Jamestown, Roger (Carol) Conway of Esko, MN and Cara (Cory) Mitzel of Bismarck; 28 grandchildren and their spouses; 38 great grandchildren; 4 Bonus grandchildren and their spouses, 12 bonus great-grandchildren and 2 bonus great-great grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Jim and Corrinne (Johnson) Boyer.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 sisters, Irene Poehls, Doris Follman, Ardys Sorenson, and Avis Anderson; brother and sister-in-laws, Harold Follman, Jim Sorenson, Boyd Johnson, Dennis and Eileen Johnson and Sanfrid Anderson; niece/nephews, Dennis Follman & Elaine Follman, Robert Follman, Vicki Hohm and Alan Anderson; and loving grandson, Daniel Jones.
The family would like to thank CaringEdge Hospice for the care they gave Johnny.
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