- Date Of Birth: September 17, 1923
- Date Of Death: January 15, 2015
- State: Nebraska
Don was born September 17, 1923 to Elmer and Gladys (Johnson) Monson at Harvard, Nebraska. He was baptized December 2, 1923 at Saran Lutheran Church at Saronville, Nebraska and was confirmed there also on June 19, 1938.
He attended a 10 grade school in Verona, Nebraska and went on to Clay Center High School where he graduated valedictorian of the class of 1940. Having earned a Regents Scholarship, he attended the College of Agriculture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for three years before he was drafted into the Coast Guard during World War II. He served three years and obtained the rank of Aviation Radioman 2C. Completing his tour of duty, he returned to the university and graduated with memberships in the Alpha Zeta and Gamma Sigma Delta Honorary Societies in 1947. Don was also a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.
Following graduation from the University, he became the Vocational Agriculture teacher in Osceola, Nebraska. He taught there for three years. While with the Osceola school system, he was instrumental in developing the Department of Vocational Agriculture. Don was also on the Polk County Fair Board.
Returning from his military service having obtained an honorable discharge, he married Dorothy Marie Wegener on June 18, 1946 at Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk, NE. In 1950 the Monson family moved to Norfolk from Osceola. Don became a full time farmer raising livestock and turkeys as well as corn, oats and alfalfa. In the following years, he helped manage grain elevators in Norfolk and in Madison before becoming a supervisor for the O’s Gold Seed Company. When the O’s Gold Seed Company was sold to Asgrow Seed Company he became a district manager. Don retired in 2000.
He was secretary of the school board of District 37 for six years. He was active in FFA and 4H. He also taught a Vet’s agriculture class while living in Norfolk.
Don was one of the charter members of Our Savior Lutheran Church. He served the congregation as elder, Sunday school teacher, treasurer for 17 years, choir member and was a member of the Lutheran Layman’s League. He served as president and treasurer of the local ILL and was president of Zone 11 twice. He served as chairman for the Nebraska District Scholarship Committee for 4 years. He was a member of the UNL Alumni Association and a Genealogy Club. He became an Ambassador for Elderhostel (a senior educational program) and enjoyed attending many sessions all over the country. He was a member of the American Legion Post #16 in Norfolk.
Don was one of the original 13 members of the Norfolk Men’s Chorus and enjoyed singing “For the Fun of It” until his stroke in 2004. After recuperating, he rejoined the Chorus participating in all of their concerts and activities until 2013.
Don is survived by his wife Dorothy, 4 children and their families; Sharon and Dave Butts of Lincoln, NE; Steven and Jan Monson of Austin, TX; Linda Cyboron; and Louise and Charles Skoglund all of Norfolk, NE. 9 Grandchildren and 14 Great-Grandchildren. One brother, Warren Monson, two sisters, Gwen Cooper and Norma Grotelueshen. Sister-in-law Alene Monson and sister-in-law Mary Wegener.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Gladys Monson, two brothers, Dick and Marvin Monson, great-grandchild, Benjamin Monson. In-laws Arnold and Selma Wegener; son-in-law Dean Cyboron. Brother-in-law Charles Cooper, sister-in-law Wilma Monson; bother-in-law Clifford Wegener, sister-in-law and spouse Arlene and Wayne McCabe
