Les graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel in 1957 in Wilmont, Minnesota and went on to serve in the Army as a helicopter mechanic, spending time in Korea. He moved to Indiana in 1961where he founded Fleet Supply/Big R with his partners Emil and Teresa Johanning. He was on the Board of Directors for Mid-States Distribution Group. Les was an avid hunter, fisherman and snowmobiler, spending as much time as he could at his chalet in Cadillac, Michigan. He also enjoyed traveling around the country in his motor homes. While he lived in Kokomo, he attended Mass at St. Joan of Arc Church. Les was a fantastic storyteller and prankster, he never met a stranger and was known for his catchphrase “Cocktails!” He loved all of his extended family, from kids and grandkids, to his family of employees at Big R. Les will be greatly missed, but his stories will go on.
In addition to his parents, Les was preceded in death by his brother, Don “Judge” Johanning and his grandson, Jake Graf.
Les is survived by his brother Rich (Pat) Johanning; sister-in-law, Kathy Johanning; partner of 33 years, Birdella Kesling; children, Wally (Janie) Johanning, Todd (Latrina) Johanning, Jeff (Larry) Johanning, and Pam (Kevin) Graf; grandchildren, Aaron, Michael, Austin, Kayla, Cody, Madison, Max, Lorenzo, Loren and Kemoni; and several nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends Thursday, July 12 from 4-8pm at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 W. Alto Road, Kokomo 46902, and Friday, July 13 from 10-11am at St. Joan of Arc Church, 3155 County Rd S 200 W, Kokomo 46902 with service to follow at 11am, officiated by Father Arbuckle. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jacob “Jake” Graf Memorial Scholarship though the Cass County Community Foundation: https://casscountycf.org/pages/donate/9
