Donald G. Monson Sr.

Donald G. Monson Sr., 80, of Le Center, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2020 at his home. Private family services will be held. Memorials will be made to benefit autism and to St. Marys Catholic Church in Le Center, MN.

Donald was born on March 18, 1940, in Bowman, North Dakota, and the only child of Theodore and Mary (Palczewski) Monson. He graduated from Bethlehem Academy in 1958 and attended both Mankato State and Winona State Colleges. Donald and Judith Forster were married at SS. Peter and Pauls Catholic Church in Mankato on July 29, 1961. Donald served in the Faribault Army National Guard whose unit was recalled during the 1961 Berlin Crisis and sent to Englund Airforce Base near Alexandria LA. The unit was mustered out in 1962. Donald worked at two electrical wholesale houses in Mankato before joining the Mankato Police force in 1965. In 1970, he was accepted into the Minnesota State Patrol Academy and upon graduating, was stationed in Le Center. He was a member of the MN Law Enforcement Memorial Association Honor Guard, district delegate for the MN Troopers Association and retired with the rank of Sergeant in 1995.

He enjoyed motorcycling, volunteering, and spending winters in Arizona. He was an avid fan of high school football and followed amateur baseball religiously. His five children and ten grandchildren remained a source of pride.

Donald was a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Le Center Sportsmen Club, Izaak Walton League, Minnesota Retired Peace Officers Association and St. Marys Catholic Church.

Donald is survived by his former wife, Judith Forster of St. Peter; children, Christopher Monson of Seattle WA, Lucy (Dave) Barta of New Prague, Patrick Monson of Greensboro SC, Megan (Chris) Conlon of Saint Peter, and Jay-Don Jr. (Sara Reul) of Hong Kong; grandchildren, Emily and Daniel (Lauren Carr) Barta, Anthony, Tess (Keaton Larrabee), Jessica, and Olivia Monson, Sam, Ben (Kelley Bevans), Luke, and Beth Conlon(Sean Dempsey); great grandchildren, Christopher Weatherson, Jordy Larrabee and Baby Conlon due in January.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents.

Arrangements are with the Le Center Funeral Home in Le Center. 507-357-6116. On-line condolences may be left at www.lecenterfuneralhome.com.