Leroy Irwin Monson

Leroy Monson, 84, of Park River, formerly of Fairdale, ND passed away peacefully, at home with his family by his side on May 17th, 2018.

He was born February 16th, 1934 in rural Fairdale, ND to the late Goodwin and Gyda (Melland) Monson. He grew up in the Fairdale area, attending 12 years of school in Fairdale, and 2 years at Wahpeton State School of Science. He entered the United States Marine Corps in 1955, serving until 1958 as a survival tech. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. He was very proud that he served as a marine. He met Carol Tice, from Presque Isle, Wisconsin. They were united in marriage on April 5th, 1958. They were married in Anaheim, CA and moved back to Fairdale after his military discharge in 1958. In the spring of 1960, Leroy and Carol started farming in the Fairdale area and continued until he retired in 1996.

He served as a Director of the Farmers Union Oil Co, Director of the Fairdale Community Center, Member of the Fairdale and Park River Legion, member of the High Plains church council, and 30 years as secretary treasurer of the St. Olaf Cemetery, Our Redeemers Church council, and many years on the Dewey Township Board.

He is survived by his wife Carol. He was very proud of his three children and their spouses; Teresa (Doug) Pipal of Buffalo, MN; Karen (Charlie) Chyle of Lankin, ND; and Jeff (Kim) Monson of Grand Forks, ND; A well as his 7 grandchildren; Travis Goodrie of Fargo, ND, Ryan Goodrie of Grand Forks, ND, Alyssa (Brian) Dietrich of Lankin, ND, Adam and Adison Pipal of Buffalo, ND, and Ben and Grace Monson of Grand Forks, ND; and his 3 great grandchildren; Morgan, Mason, and Gyda Dietrich of Lankin ND. His two sisters Grace (Ed) Kuchar of Fairdale, ND and Mary Schmiess of Fargo, ND, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Goodwin and Gyda Monson.

He enjoyed being with his family and grandchildren, whom he was very proud of, restoring his old McCormick tractors and woodworking for the craft shows. He will be greatly missed by all.

Memorial services will be Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church of Fairdale. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at the St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fairdale. Military Rites will be provided by the Park River American Legion Post and the United States Marine Corps Funeral Honors.