Leo "Tom" Doppler

Leo "Tom" Doppler, age 81, transitioned to his heavenly home on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

A funeral service to celebrate Tom's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 4, 2026, at New Life Church, where family and friends will gather to remember and honor him. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at 2:00 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND, with military honors in recognition of his faithful service.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 5:00-6:00 PM at Bismarck Funeral Home, with a Prayer Service at 6:00 PM.

Tom was born on December 27, 1944, to Clarence O. and Kathleen S. (Brent) Doppler at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, North Dakota. Born three months premature, he was truly a miracle baby, weighing only 2 pounds, 2 ounces at birth. Tom attended elementary, middle, and high school in Bismarck, and later continued his education at Bismarck State College and University of North Dakota. He met the love of his life, Susan Anne Mastel, and they were married on November 11, 1967.

Tom will be best remembered for his unwavering love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, playing cards, and doing puzzles of all kinds, especially during the winter months-often surrounded by those he loved.

A proud veteran, Tom served honorably in Vietnam in the United States Army, embodying courage, discipline, and a strong sense of duty throughout his years of service. His commitment to those values remained evident long after his miliary career. Tom cherished the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. on an Honor Flight in 2024 alongside his daughter, Stacey, and was deeply moved to receive a Quilt of Valor in September 2025.

Tom worked for the State of North Dakota in various roles, including truck regulatory and as a realty officer/appraiser in the Right of Way Division. Following his retirement from the state of North Dakota, he worked with Ducks Unlimited in their appraisal division and later as an independent contractor in the Bakken oil fields.

Beyond his service, Tom was known for his warm spirit, steady presence, and the kindness he extended to all who knew him. Whether through his work, friendships, or time spent with loved ones, he made a lasting impact and will be deeply missed

Tom is survived by his wife, Susan, of 58 years; his loving family; children, Stacey (Pete) Ryan and C. Gene (Stephanie) Doppler; grandchildren, Kess, Kyla, Clay, and Elijah Ryan, Zachary, Jackson Doppler; brother, Charles Doppler; sister, Lynnell (Allan Smetana) Strothman; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also fondly remembered by his granddogs, Charlie, Ollie, Jake, Remi, and PJ, and his one and only grandcat, Moose.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Donna; sister-in-law, Darlys (Chuck); brother-in-law, Rand (Lynnell); and his mother- and father-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight or Quilts of Valor, reflecting Tom's enduring spirit of service and generosity.  Western ND Honor Flight

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved him, and may his legacy live on in the lives he touched.