David E. Monson

• 
• 

Monson, David E. Age 80, of North Oaks, received his heavenly reward Saturday, July 11, 2015 after a series of health concerns including Parkinson's Disease. David was born at home on the farm January 23, 1935, which was the coldest day of the 20th century at that location. He was raised on his family's dairy farm (Oak Hill Farm) in Scandia, Minnesota, and was active in Sunday School, Daily Vacation Bible School, 4-H, Future Farmers of America, Luther League, Boy Scouts, and Confirmation classes. After graduating from Chisago City High School in 1953, he went on to Hamline University thanks to a Tozer Scholarship. In January of 1954 David became very ill and was hospitalized. Dave experienced a spiritual epiphany during that near death experience, and decided to follow and serve Christ. He fell in love with his student nurse, Mary Jo Borglund, and they were married that October celebrating their 60th anniversary just months ago. In 1955 he started Monson Insurance and remained active in the business for sixty years. Dave served on the boards of First National Bank of Stillwater, Twin City Christian Homes, St. Paul Association of Evangelicals, Trustee Boards of Bethany Baptist and Calvary Baptist Church, many professional organizations, Day Star University, Maplewood State Bank, Roseville Area School Board, Gillette Hospital Foundation, HealthEast Foundation, many boards of Bethel University, the American Swedish Institute, and Gammelgarden. David was awarded the title of Knight in the Order of the Polar Star by His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in 2012. The Royal Order of the Polar Star is a Swedish order of chivalry. The motto of the order, "Nescit occasum" (It knows no decline), conveys that Sweden is as constant as a never-setting star. It is awarded to individuals in recognition of their personal service to Sweden or for the promotion of Swedish interests. Over the years, Dave and Mary Jo were privileged to be able to travel to many corners of the world including mission trips, conventions and vacations to Ecuador, Ukraine, The Holy Land, China, Sweden, Hawaii, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Hong Kong, Alaska, British Isles, Europe, and Naples, Florida. They were thrilled to travel on the QE II across the Atlantic with a return flight on the Concorde. David loved his Minnesota Twins, reading, numbers, going out on the town with Mary Jo, strawberry shortcake, a good bratwurst, tracking the stock market, sitting in the sun on his back deck, giving to others, and anything to do with his grandkids. David was preceded in death by his brother Roger, and his parents Sven Julius and Anna. David is survived by his devoted wife of sixty years Mary Jo, sons David (Mary Hirschboeck), Daniel, Randal (Lori), Ronald (Carla), and daughter Jennifer (Robert) Gimpl, and grandchildren Steven, Kirsten, Cory (Marley), Britta (Adam) Ketcher, Erik, Kylie, Kendall, and Lily, sister Maryann (Richard) Bjorkman, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation 5:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 15 at HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM-PURCELL FUNERAL HOME, 515 Highway 96, Shoreview. Funeral service Thursday, July 16, 11:00 a.m. (visitation one hour prior) at CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 2120 Lexington Avenue North, Roseville, Minnesota. Interment Roselawn Cemetery. Memorials preferred to The American Swedish Institute, Gammelgarden Museum in Scandia, or Calvary Baptist Church. holcombhenryboom.com 651-482-7606

Published on July 15, 2015