Mildred Louise Monson

Mildred Louise Monson, the daughter of Jesse V. and Inga Elise (Martinson) Groat, was born on September 7, 1913, in Irwin, Iowa. She was raised in Irwin and graduated from Irwin High School in 1931. She married Herman M. Monson on June 22, 1940. During her life, she worked as a switchboard operator, egg candler, and waitress. Mildred moved to Harlan, Iowa, in 1971, to be closer to her son and his family. For a number of years she worked at the Baptist Memorial Home (Elm Crest Retirement Community) in Harlan; she retired in 1975. Mildred became a resident of Elm Crest in 2004.

Mildred was a fiercely independent and very frugal woman who lived for her family. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and also enjoyed reading, cooking, and solving crossword puzzles.

Mildred L. Monson died on Sunday, November 12, 2006, at the Elm Crest Retirement Community, in Harlan, Iowa, having reached the age of 93 years, 2 months, and 5 days.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include one son, Richard (Sharon) Monson of Harlan, Iowa; one daughter, Nancy (Dan) Evans of Balaton, Minnesota; one brother, Marvin Groat of Ames, Iowa; six grandchildren, Wendy (Russ) Pixler of Ames, Iowa, Brian Sanders of Seattle, Washington, Sean Monson and Brandon (Jessica) Monson, both of Harlan, Iowa, and Chevonne Monson and Derek Monson, both of Omaha, Nebraska; three great-grandchildren, Jonathan Pixler and Kiersten Pixler, both of Ames, Iowa, and Chase Allyn Monson of Harlan, Iowa; and other relatives and friends.

A private memorial service was held on Wednesday, November 15, 2006, at the Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. David Swinton officiating. Burial of ashes was in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements.