Donald "Don" Edward Monson

Donald Edward Monson, age 93, died June 5, 2017 at the Washington Veteran’s Home in Port Orchard, WA.  A native of Fargo, ND, Don was the son of Gustaf and Tillie (Wiese) Monson.  Don graduated Fargo Central High School in 1942 and enlisted in the US Army in 1943.  He served as a gunner in the Army Air Force in an A-20 attack aircraft.  He was assigned to duty in New Guinea and the Philippines and barely survived when an anti-aircraft shell exploded aboard his plane, killing his fellow gunner.  He served for the duration of WWII and was honorably discharged in 1946. 

After the war, he enrolled in the University of North Dakota and achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce in 1950.  He joined JC Penney company as a manager in 1951 and moved to Lancaster, California in 1957.  He later joined Sears as a merchandise manager and relocated to Hemet, California in 1966.  In 1973 he joined Skyline Corporation in sales and later worked for Phillips Gasket Company as General Manager.  After retirement from Phillips in 1992, he relocated to Louisville, CO and owned a small art gallery and framing shop, which he operated until 2002.  In 2008 he relocated to Sequim, WA to be closer to family.  Besides working, Don loved sailing Hobie Cats, snow skiing, and photography. He was a Lutheran and was active in many church activities throughout his life. 

Don married Donna Rudolph of Fargo in 1948.  They had three children, all living, Paul Summers of Sequim WA, Marc Monson of Broomfield CO, and Jon Monson of Gig Harbor WA.  Don and Donna divorced in 1971.  In 1987, Donald married Ruthanne Gebhardt.  Don is survived by his brother Lawrence, age 92 of Fargo, his three sons and three grandchildren, Kristy Monson of Shoreline WA, Elizabeth Agerton of Bakersfield CA and Jonathan Monson of West Linn, OR.  He is also survived by six grandchildren, David Tangren, Crystal Agerton, Joshua Agerton, Karyn Cowperthwaite, Kaydence Monson and Addison Monson.  He will be missed.  A memorial service will he held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Haven of Rest Funeral Home, 8503 State Route 16, Gig Harbor, Washington.

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