Ronald D. Monson

Ronald Dean “Ron” Monson, 84, of Clear Lake, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family Aug. 3, 2023. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m., Aug. 11, at Zion Lutheran Church, 112 N. 4th St, Clear Lake. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Aug. 10, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, as well as, an hour prior to the service at Zion Lutheran Church. 

Ron was born May 17, 1939, on the family farm in rural Leland, Iowa, the youngest child of Clifford Theodore and Elma Clarissa (Helgeland) Monson. He attended school in rural Winnebago County. He was a member of the Forest City class of 1957. Ron enlisted in the United States Navy on Aug. 6, 1956, and served his country honorably as an aircraft mechanic on the USS Randolph. Through his service, he traveled to Cuba and the Mediterranean. Ron was honorably discharged May 28, 1962. 

He spent many years working in construction as a crane operator and as an asphalt superintendent. He was proud of the various projects he was a part of, always pointing them out to his kids and grandkids as they drove by. After taking early retirement due to a back injury, Ron was a stay at home dad for 10 years before going back to work at Opportunity Village. He worked in the Thul house with “the guys”, Ben, Steve and Gaylon, who became family. 

Ron was united in marriage to Grace Rosetta Harms on Dec. 12,1969, at Zion Lutheran Church in Clear Lake. They made their home on an acreage in rural Clear Lake in a house Ron built for his family. To this union, five children were born: Kevin, David, Julie, Robert, and Brenda. The acreage was the center of activity for Ron’s kids, great-nephews and nieces, and neighborhood kids; where numerous forts were built and dirt clod fights were had, to Ron’s great amusement. Ron even built a race track for the kids to run amuck in the pasture. Grace passed away suddenly on March 4, 1986. 

Ron was later united in marriage to his longtime friend, Mary Ellen (Timm) DeBell, on June 1, 1996, at Zion Lutheran Church. To this union, one daughter, Hannah Rose, was born and he also gained another son, Derek DeBell. Ron and Mary Ellen also made their home in Clear Lake, where they raised Hannah alongside their grandchildren. 

Ron was proud of his Norwegian heritage, and the fact that his birthday was also Norwegian Independence Day, made it even more special. He enjoyed his garden, his birds, and keeping the squirrels off his feeders. In his later years, he enjoyed time spent in his favorite recliner with his dogs, watching westerns, World War II movies and especially infomercials, where he would then buy all the latest and greatest kitchen gadgets (sometimes more than once!). He was a devoted grandfather; always there when they needed him. He was always good for ice cream and french fries on Tuesdays after school; feeding his family was just one of the many ways he showed his love.  He was happiest when all the kids and grandkids were all together. Ron’s love for his family knew no bounds. It was UNCONDITIONAL and selfless. He was affectionately known as “Great” by his great-nephews. He was a man of few words; he was the best listener with a knack for sometimes witty responses. 

Ron is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; children, Kevin (Michele) Monson, David Monson, Julie Monson, Robert (Caroline) Monson, Derek (Alexandra) DeBell, Hannah (Trevor) Then; grandchildren, Seth (Whitney), Tyler (Abagail), Aliah (Marcus), Isaiah, Katie (Connor), Alec, Joey, Brenna, Leif, Victoria (Garrett), Linkin, Grace, Deondrea (Cody), and Dawson (Lynnzee); great-grandchildren, Emersyn, Kase, Lennyn, Amiyah, Cormac, Kylarae, Maylan, Carson, and Brielle; sister, Kathy Steiert; beloved companion and unofficial service dog, Starr; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. 

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Grace; daughter, Brenda in 1992; daughters-in-law, Karen in 2003, and Vanessa in 2015; parents, Clifford and Elma; siblings, Stanford, Curtis, and Geraldine; brother-in-law, Jerry Steiert.  

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.