Donald Monson

Donald J. Monson, 70, of Moorhead, MN, died Monday, September 9, 2013, in Golden Living Center in Moorhead, where he had resided for a number of years.

Donald Jerome "Donny" Monson, the son of Pastor Ordean and Christie (Hermanson) Monson, was born March 22, 1943, in Webster City, IA. Donald attended grade school in Petersburg, ND, where his father was a Lutheran Pastor. After his father's death in 1956, he moved with his mother and two brothers, Paul and Carl, to Moorhead. His only sister, Ruth, had already left home to attend St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN.

After moving to Moorhead, Donald attended Moorhead State College Campus School where he graduated from high school. During his school years, music was his favorite class because he was so talented. For several years he played the E Flat saxophone in the marching band and later switched to the baritone sax. Donald also had a beautiful baritone singing voice and after high school sang in the Barbershop Quartet organization. He really enjoyed the tours and concerts.

After high school, Donald was hired at Hornbacher's Grocery in Moorhead, where he worked for thirty-six years and rotated among several departments. His favorite part of his job was greeting customers and wishing them "a good day." When his mother's friends could not find something they would always look for Donny, and usually he could tell them which aisle, which shelf and side of the aisle they could find it!

Donald had a very unique sense of humor. He liked playing with words and you never knew when he would make a little rhyme with something you said or make up a riddle. Many people wondered how he could think them up so quickly, sometimes almost before you even finished what you were saying.

Donny will be missed by many people, especially friends, family, customers, co-workers at Hornbacher's, and many cousins (including "shirt-tail relatives"); most importantly we know, that the "host arrayed in white" will also be happy to see him "come home".

He is survived by his sister, Ruth Monson, Phoenix, AZ; sisters-in-law: Deanna Monson, Minneapolis, MN, and Marcia Monson, Centennial, CO; nephews, Todd Monson and Dallas Monson; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Pastor Paul Monson and Carl Monson.
May God bless the many memories he has left us!

Memorials may be directed to Hospice of the Red River Valley or Golden Living Center in Moorhead.

Visitation: One hour prior to the service.

Funeral Service: Monday, September 16, 2013, at 11:00 AM, in Lutheran Church of the Good
Shepherd, Moorhead.

Burial: Norway Cemetery, Garretson, SD.