William Monson
William (Bill) Monson, 93, of Minot, N.D., formerly of Alexander, N.D., died on June 10, 2011, in a Minot nursing home surrounded by family and loved ones.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2011, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Alexander. Rev. Timothy Swenson will officiate, and interment will be at the Hillside Memory Gardens in Williston, N.D. Friends may call at the Fulkerson Funeral Home in Williston on Wednesday from noon until 5:00 p.m., and one hour before services at the Church on Thursday in Alexander.
Bill was born April 1, 1918, along with twin sister, Wilma, in White Hall, Wis., to parents, Hans and Sena Marie (Yndastad) Monson, one of 10 children. In 1921, the family moved to Alexander, and farmed in the area. He attended country school and Alexander High School.
Bill and several of his brothers served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked on numerous projects from North Dakota to Idaho. He entered the Armed Services on Sept. 16, 1940, and served in the Pacific Theater in Papuan Guinea and the Philippines; he received several commendations including the Distinguished Unit Badge, American Defense Service Metal, and Philippine Liberation Medal, with one bronze service star. He was discharged on Sept. 30, 1946.
He returned home to Alexander, where he and his brother, Ray, owned and operated the hotel and café in Alexander.
He was joined in marriage to Anita Hanson on Dec. 26, 1950. They resided at their home in Elk Township, where together they farmed and raised their three children. Bill retired from farming in 1987.
Bill loved to spend time with his friends and family; he enjoyed fishing, golfing, traveling, and playing cards with his brother, Roy, and family, anything to keep him active. He had a special love for music and singing, he was a member of the Trinity Congregational choir for many years, along with several community choirs. Bill was a loving, dedicated father, grandfather and friend. He believed in working hard, helping others, and was strong in his Christian faith. Bill’s warm smile and wonderful spirit will always be remembered, and greatly missed
Bill is survived by his three children: Marlene (Monson) Skedsvold, Minot, Mike Monson, Webster City, Iowa, and Mitch Monson, Minot; six grandchildren and their spouses, Jon (Sarah) Skedsvold, Casey Skedsvold, Dirk (Jessie) Monson, Alexandra Monson, Drew Monson and Marissa Monson; siblings, Roy Monson, John (Carol) Monson and Helen Gifford, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Anita Monson; parents, Hans and Sena Monson; twin sister, Wilma, and other siblings: Harvey, Chet, Olive, Ray, and Hansel, and other family members.
Friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences with the family online at www.fulkersons.com.