Leo P. Bichler, 81, of Bismarck, ND, formerly of Linton, ND, died peacefully on December 24, 2017 surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 29 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Linton, with Father David Zimmer officiating.  Burial will be at St. Anthony Church Cemetery following Mass.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 28, from 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Linton with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Leo was born on November 12, 1936 to Mike and Mary (Wickenheiser) Bichler. He married Alice Kelsch on November 27, 1963. Together they raised eight children on the family farm.

Leo is remembered for his kindness, his faith, contagious laugh, sense of humor and always putting others before himself. He took great pride in farming and ranching while instilling his knowledge and values in his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed feeding cattle with his grandchildren while listening to the polka party, playing pinochle at every opportunity, dancing and spending time with family and friends.

Leo was active in his community and church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, served on the Linton Farmers Elevator Board for several years and St. Anthony's Parish Council. He also supported the local economy by purchasing candy bars and orange Crush for himself and the grandkids whenever he went to town.

He is survived by his wife Alice of 54 years; his children Claudia (Tom) Nagel, John (Lori) Bichler, Paul (Ami) Bichler, Susan (Brian) Schumacher, Peggy (Jeff) McCanna, Michael (Nicole) Bichler, Natalie (Tim) Becker and Douglas (Maria) Bichler, 28 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Joe (Ann) Bichler and Alex (Katherine) Bichler; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Lorraine (Herman) Mosset, Sally (Tony) Bernhardt, Beverly (Albert) Noel, Bernice (Edwin) Jahner, Anna Marie Mosset, Angeline Miller, Cas Klein and George Kelsch.

Leo is preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law Wendelin and Rose Kelsch; sisters and brothers-in-law Margaret (Aloysius) Ternes, Phyllis (Valentine) Kuhn, Theresa (Pius) Hager, Agnes (Max) Mosset, Victoria (Buddy) Jahner, Leo Miller, Wendelin Mosset; and sisters-in-law Rose Klein and Cherlene Kelsch.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church of Linton.

His master said to him, "Well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have shown you are trustworthy in small things; I will trust you with greater; come and join in your master's happiness." Matthew 25:23