All are invited to First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point, Montana to remember and celebrate the lives of Milton and Greta Monson, who shared 64 years together. The service will begin at 11 A.M. following a family graveside service for Milton who passed away on May 12th at the Billings Clinic. Greta died April 10th while staying at Faith Lutheran Home. The family would like to thank all the health care professionals at Faith Home, Trinity Hospital, and the Billings Clinic for their excellent care efforts. Special recognition is also due for Joann Martens for the care she gave to Milton and Greta from early 2013 until August of 2016.
Milton was born in Poplar, Montana June 1, 1927 to Oscar and Christine Monson. As a child he attended the Magnuson rural school in summers. He excelled in music and athletics at Poplar High School and graduated Valedictorian of the Class of 1945. Always a farmer, he did venture into the world by attending both Concordia College in Moorhead Minnesota and Northern Montana College in Havre. In early 1953 he went to the Lutheran Bible Institute Convention in Minneapolis where he met a beautiful young nurse named Greta Rose Heckler, daughter of Lawrence and Esther of Princeton, Minnesota. Born September 17, 1930, she too excelled in school, graduating Salutatorian of the Princeton High School Class of 1949. She had recently completed her RN degree at Fairview Hospital and was working at Minneapolis General Hospital during the polio epidemic. In what must have been a whirlwind courtship due to farming and nursing 700 miles apart, they were joined in marriage on October 2, 1953 and Greta left the forests and Land of 10,000 Lakes to essentially homestead on the treeless plains of northeast Montana. Before building their only home in Wolf Point in 1957, they lived on the family farm at Chelsea Creek.
Greta’s first love was music and she taught piano and played for churches and choirs as well as being the organist at First Lutheran for many years. After starting a family she returned to nursing at Trinity Hospital where she led both the surgery and nursing staffs for several years. Milton was a self taught genius and invented many machines and tools to make farming more efficient and productive. Milton recently remarked that he had never done anything great, but to all who knew him, he was always a very good man. Greta took special notice and concern for young people, both grandchildren and others, encouraging them during their formative education and early careers. Greta’s homemade quilts adorn all the family members’ homes and her chocolate chip cookies have become a family heritage.
We are all better because of marriages like the union and friendship of Milton and Greta Monson. They both exemplify loyalty and sacrifice; Greta in leaving everything to live with a farmer far away from where she grew up, and Milton especially in the past 10 years who cared for his ailing wife.
Milton and Greta are survived by their children Larry Monson (Lynne) and Rosanne Erickson (Doug), by grandchildren Jay Erickson (Loverty), Michelle (Monson) Nyhus (Chris), Jory Erickson, Erica (Monson) Hoagland (Jordan), and Evan Monson (Heather), and by great grandchildren Isabell, Adeia, and Olivia (Jay and Loverty), and Charlotte, Miles, and Alice (Michelle and Chris). Milton is also survived by his brother Clifton of Las Vegas and his three sons, Jimmy, Alan, and Steve. Greta is also survived by her niece Jerris Heckler and sister-in-law, Joan.
They were preceded in death by their parents, Milton’s sister Arlene, his sister in law Phyllis and niece Christie, Greta’s brother Jerry and his son Jay. Their beloved grandson, Brad Erickson, passed away on May 2nd, making the past month most tragic for the Monson and Erickson families.
In lieu of flowers please send memorial gifts to the Wolf Point Ministerial Association.
Jesus said a man and woman shall leave their parents and become one. Milton and Greta certainly did all of that and now are back together again sharing one of the rooms in the eternal mansion He said He would build for us all.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 10, 2017
First Lutheran Church
415 Johnson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 10, 2017
First Lutheran Church
415 Johnson Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
David and Chong Ae Boyd says
Larry and family
Sorry for your loss, Larry I lost my father on the 26 th of August and my mother on 26th of October the same year. I know how it feels to lose both parents in such a time. We have to understand their love for each other was so great they could not stand to be a part, they are together now.
David
Barb Bryan says
Larry and Rosanne:
I am so sorry to hear that you lost your dad, and so soon after your mom. I had meant to contact you when Greta passed away. Can’t imagine how difficult this is. Also, I just talked with Marvelle and she told me that one of Rosanne’s boys died. This just breaks my heart and you will both be in my prayers.
Cam and Jodi Martin says
So sorry for your loss. I truly enjoyed visiting with Milt he always had a great attitude about life. Our thoughts & prayers go out to all the families from the Martin family Cam, Jodi, Mecaila & Mandi.
Janet Grow Zormeir says
Larry, Rosanne and families, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father, and your mother. My heart is with you guys! Sending love and prayers.
Lee Ellen Hveem says
Dear Larry, Lynne, Roseanne, and families,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad, and also just realized that you have also lost your mother this year. It’s a lot to absorb in such a short time, but they lived long happy lives, of which you were all a major part. I know they were proud of all of you. Wishing you peace as you walk through the coming days. Lee Ellen
Karolyn (Karge) Braun and family says
Rosanne and Larry, I am sorry to hear of the death of your father. May he rest in peace.
Tom Hagadone says
Larry, Roseann and families. While reading of the passing of your father, I also learned of the other unfortunate deaths in your family. My heart hurts for you all and prayers go out to you and your wonderful parents. The memory of your mom and dad will be forever etched in my mind for all the nice times shared while neighbors out on Chelsea creek. My mother always looked out the kitchen window when school was about to end in the spring to see if Greta was at your place. I remember them sharing so many stories about life, kids and country living. When your folks came over to the house there was always a nice dessert to be shared. The two of you and your mom always had a smile and hand wave as you drove by when we were stacking hay. Such memories. As I recall our dads weren’t great visitors as far as talking went, but they sure were doers. Seems everything centered around raising wheat.
Karen Ault Egbert says
Larry, Roseanne and families, I cannot even imagine the heartache you are feeling right now. My heartfelt sympathy to you for the loss of your Mother, Father, and son/nephew. May God wrap his loving arms around you and bring you peace in the days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim Cody says
Monson’s and Erickson’s–My thoughts and prayers are with you as God has called home those from your earthly family–Brad, Greta and Milton. SO many memories and knowing that a place is reserved for us all and that Heaven awaits for the reunion some day. May the Lord comfort your hearts and may you know that I will continue to pray for healing from the pain.
Judy and Bill Gilman says
Praying daily for all of you. Love and prayers to get you all through this tremendously sad time. We are so sorry for your losses. Bill and Judy
Jo Plunkett says
Dear Rosanne & Family,
The loss of your Dad, so soon after Brad’s and your Mom’s passing, must be more pain than you thought you could bear. But God’s time is not our time, and He needed to call these special people home, to Heaven. So take strength and comfort that Our Lord is celebrating their arrival, and they are living on in His Peace, unfettered by earthly suffering. So my prayers are for you in this difficult time, and while I may be geographically distant, please know that my love for you can overcome the miles and be with you whenever you need it.
Always ready with hugs,
Jo
Jim Patch says
Larry and Rosanne,
I am truly grieving with you.
Shane & Diann says
So sorry for you loss. We have no idea how difficult it would be to loss both parents so close together. We will always remember how cheerful they both seemed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The Gibson’s, Shane, Diann, Jamie & Traci
Patty Bruhn Hatvick says
Larry and families,
It’s never easy to lose a parent, and I can’t imagine your pain in losing both in such a short time. My heart aches for you and I’m praying God will wrap His loving arms around you in comfort. May the days ahead be filled with grace and peace.
Cal Oraw says
Larry and Monson family,
May the God of all comfort and friends uphold you at this time of loss.
I was blessed to attend a Kogudus with Milt.
Cal Oraw
Laura says
Rosanne I’m thinking of you and your family. The magnitude of your losses I can’t even imagine. My heart aches for you. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts.
Lauralee Bowker
Jackie G says
Monson and Erickson families: Very sorry for your loss. Hope you now have 3 guardian angels looking after you from heaven.
Jonny BearCub Stiffarm says
Larry & Family – Sending thoughts of comfort and wishing a flood of wonderful memories to be shared for these are the balm the Lord provides us as we celebrate the Life of those we love who have taken the Journey home back into Heaven.
Cissy Eagleman & family says
You are all in my prayers for comfort and strength.
Our hearts go out to you all…
Laurie Anderson says
What a wonderful tribute to Greta and Milton. They were both a very big part of my growing up. If I wasn’t at home, I was at the Monson’s! I am glad they are together again. Prayers to everyone, but do not be sad, I don’t think that would be what they want.