General Information
Full Name: Verdon “Don” Mathew Monnens
Date of Birth: June 6, 1926
Date of Death: March 7, 2013
Don’s Life Story
Verdon “Don” Monnens
On Sunday, June 6, 1926 in St. Paul, MN, Verdon Mathew was born to parents Lawrence and Pauline (Hennen) Monnens. He was the oldest of five children. Don’s childhood years were spent attending grade school in Prior Lake and spending summers at his uncle’s farm in Marystown. Staying at his uncle and aunts home in St. Paul, Don attended and graduated from Cretin High School in 1944
In 1944, Don proudly served in the United States Navy. He was aboard the U.S.S. Kimberly, a destroyer in the South Pacific, until 1946. Don was onboard the ship in Tokyo Bay, when the WWII Peace Treaty was signed. After returning from the service, Don went into the family grocery business, partnering with his brother-in-law, Lambert Hennen. In 1963, he sold the grocery business to Lambert and began working for Pat Rogers Associates. Don sold health insurance through banks and agencies to individuals and small groups. He retired in 1985, as regional manager for the firm.
On September 28, 1949, Don married the love of his life; Jeanette “Jean” Francis Hennen, at St. Mary of the Purification in Marystown, MN. They were blessed with five children, Gary, Leann, Mary, Mark and Laurie.
Don’s main interests were traveling, playing cards, golfing and reading.For over 25 years,Don and Jean enjoyed sharing their summer home with family and friends on Lake Florida in Spicer, MN. Don and Jean spent over 30 years wintering in Scottsdale, AZ, where they have formed many lasting relationships with great friends.
A man with small town values, Don believed in supporting the local business community. He served 34 years in the Prior Lake Volunteer Fire Department and two terms on the Prior Lake School Board. He was also a member of the Prior Lake V.F.W Post #6208 and a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus –John Deere Council. A faithful servant of the Lord, Don was a lifelong member of the Church of St. Michael. For 32 years (1980-2013) he and his wife were dedicated members of Cursillo, “Bringing Christ to our world, one friend at a time.”
A generous, compassionate and kind hearted man, Don was a loving husband, a devoted Dad, grandfather and great grandfather. He had a great sense of humor, loved storytelling and poetry writing. Throughout his life,Don’s family was his number one concern. On Thursday, March 7, 2013, Don, age 86, entered God’s arms at Scottsdale Health Center in Scottsdale, AZ. He was a lifelong resident of Prior Lake.
Deeply missed and remembered always by those who loved Don, wife of 63 years, Jean; children, Gary (Kathy) Monnens of Prior Lake, Leann (Bruce) Kaufenberg of Lake Elmo, Mary (Gary) Hartmann of Prior Lake, Mark (Ann) Monnens of Prior Lake, Laurie (Mike) Gold of Little Falls; grandchildren, Andy, Lisa, Steven, Tim (Jessica), David (Liz), Brian, Amy (Jim), Rachel, J.R., Christopher, Kelly (Jeremy), Heather, Michael, Josef (Nichole), Alissa; great-grandchildren, Ezra, Kacie, Reid, Mackenzie; sister, Pat (Ray) Collins of Dubuque, IA, brother, Larry (Carol) Monnens of Spicer; brother-in-law, John Runda of Helena, MT; other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Don is preceded in death by parents, Lawrence and Pauline; grandson, Mark Lawrence Monnens Jr.; brother, Father Merle Monnens; sister, Audrey Runda, sister-in-law, Marion Monnens.Pall bearers for Don will be his grandchildren.
The visitation will be at the Church of St. Michael 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake on Thursday, March 14, from 3-8 pm and on Friday from 9-10:30 am. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, March 15 at 10:30 am, at the church. Father Tom Sieg will preside. Don will be laid to rest at St. Michael’s Cemetery, with full military honors provided by the Prior Lake V.F.W. Post 6208 Color Guard.
Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Don’s memory to his favorite charities, by his family.
The Monnen’s family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Prior Lake Chapel.
Visitation
When: Thursday, March 14, 3 til 8 PM
Location: Church of St. Michael
Address: 16311 Duluth Ave. SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
There also will be visitation at the church one hour prior to services.
Service Information
When: Friday, March 15, 2013, 10:30 AM
Location: Church of St. Michael
Address: 16311 Duluth Ave. SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
Interment
St. Michael Catholic Cemetery
Prior Lake, MN
