Howard Monsrud

Howard B. Monsrud, 86, passed away peacefully at Woodbury Estates in Woodbury, MN on March 11, 2016. Howard was born April 6, 1929 to Hjalmer and Betsy (Lanes) Monsrud in Badger, Minnesota. He grew up and attended school in Badger. Howard was very active in working on his parents’ farm from an early age. On October 30, 1951 he was married to Mary M. Walsh in Badger. He and Mary farmed near Badger until moving to Biwabik Minnesota in 1957. Howard worked as a service truck driver for Erie Mining Company in Hoyt Lakes for 27 years, retiring in 1983. In his early days, Howard was an expert marksman and enjoyed hunting while horseback riding. Howard continued to fish with family and friends as long as he was physically able to. Howard loved fishing and he did finally catch “the big one that got away.” He had his jumbo walleye mounted for proof! After the kids left home, Howard thoroughly enjoyed tending to his yard and his garden of vegetables and fruits. For a few years, Howard vacationed during the winter months in Donna, Texas. He had a home in a senior community where he enjoyed meeting new friends, going to music events, sight-seeing, card games, billiards, & many other activities. Howard shared his Texas adventures with his family and friends while he was there and long after he returned to Minnesota. Howard is survived by his daughter Sheryl Williams(special friend Rick Huber) of Mankato; 5 sons, Michael(Sue) of Park Rapids, Kerry(Sharon) of St. Paul Park, Sheldon(Rita) of Chisago City, Lee(Cathy) of Inver Grove Heights, Mark(May) of Seattle, WA; and 2 sisters, Ruby Schriner of Roy, WA and Mildred Johnson of Tacoma, WA. Howard is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, son Warren, brother Donovin, and infant baby brother Howard. Funeral service will be 11:00am Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Aurora, with Rev. Donald Stauty officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Graveside service will be 12noon Wednesday, March 16 at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Badger, MN. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora.