Leo Jost

ROCK FALLS: Leopold “Leo” Charles Jost, 77, of Rock Falls, died Saturday, April 25, 2015 at the Nora Springs Care Center. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Thursday, April 30, 2015 at the Old Stone United Methodist Church, Rock Falls with Pastors Wendy Johannesen and Beverly Butler officiating. Interment will be in the Rock Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City and continue at the church on Thursday one hour prior to services. The family would like everyone to wear casual attire. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Rock Falls Area Betterment Community Center. Leo was born June 27, 1937 on the family farm north of Rock Falls, the son of August and Caroline (Peterson) Jost. He graduated from high school in 1955 and began his apprenticeship receiving his journeyman bricklayer card at the age of 21. He learned his Masonry skills from his father Gus, brother Dean and future father-in law Richard Wilcox. Leo married Karen Wilcox June 17, 1961 in Nora Springs. In 1974 he started his own business, Leo Jost Masonry, specializing in brick, block and stonework. He took great pride in his trade. Leo’s art and craftsmanship is displayed throughout the North Iowa area including schools, churches, businesses, restaurants, numerous fireplaces and homes. Leo was a founding member of the Rock Falls Community Center and served on the board for over 20 years. He volunteered countless hours back to his community of Rock Falls. He served with the Iowa National Guard for six years and was a member of the Old Stone United Methodist Church. Leo enjoyed dancing, weekend runs to Vegas, and fishing trips with friends to Minnesota and Canada. He enjoyed visiting area campgrounds and spending time with good friends. Leo and Karen enjoyed helping host the “Twinkling Thunder Fireworks.” Often after a hard day of work you could find Leo socializing and checking in at “The Office” to collect his messages. He liked watching baseball, softball and looked forward to March Madness. Leo is survived by 2 children, Kory Jost of Landstuhl, Germany and Lance (Lori) Jost of Rock Falls; 2 grandchildren, Brittney and Lincoln Jost of Rock Falls; 3 sisters, Donna (John) Miller of Clear Lake, Linda (Cliff) Weatherwax of Rock Falls and Julie (Roger) Haugen of Solon; sister-in-law, Margaret Jost of Rock Falls; brother-in-law, Robert (Connie) Wilcox of Mason City; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Caroline, wife, Karen; brother, Dean Jost and mother and father-in-law, Richard and Joyce Wilcox.