Leo Kainz was born on June 8, 1945 in Stark County, ND to Jacob and Thresia Kainz.  He grew up on the family farm.  He attended Green River Country School and St Joseph’s Elementary while young and Campus High School as a teenager.  Leo attended NDSCS graduating in 1966 in their Machinist program.  He married Margaret Kraft in Benson County in 1965.  Shortly thereafter, they moved to Cedar Rapids, IA where Leo worked for Collins Radio Company and later for Barron Motors.  Their three sons; Jeff (Laura), Fred (Lisa) and Don (Anne) were also born in Iowa.  In 1971 the family moved to Jamestown, ND where Leo worked for Hedahl’s QB&R on the east business loop in Jamestown.  Leo loved automobiles and was passionate with making horsepower; starting his business Performance Equipment in the family garage.  He also raced in the local speedway.  Tragically, in 1973 Leo suffered a brain injury while working on his race car, leaving him with permanent brain damage.  Although mentally disabled, Leo remained involved with various therapy/work programs in the community and carried forth strong Christian values and genuine sincerity and compassion for his family.  Leo was a member of St. James Basilica and the Knights of Columbus.

Leo is preceded in death by his older brother Gerald, his father Jacob and his mother Thresia.

Survivors include nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The family wishes that in lieu of flowers for the funeral, that contributions be made to the James River Senior Citizen’s Center; PO box 1092, Jamestown ND 58402-2882 or Hospice of the Red River Valley, 1701 38th St S #101, Fargo, ND 58103.

Mass of Christian Burial – 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 5, 2024 at St. James Basilica, Jamestown with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm, celebrant.

Visitation – 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Eddy Funeral Home.

Rosary – 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Eddy Funeral Home with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Interment – Calvary Cemetery, Jamestown, ND