Craig Allen Monson

Craig Allen Monson, 65, of rural Forest City, died Monday, February 17, 2014 near his home in rural Forest City
A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at the Winnebago Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills with Rev. Bill Peters officiating. A visitation will be held 4-8 PM Friday (February 21, 2014) at Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 North Clark St.
Interment will be held in church cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Craig A. Monson memorial fund in care of the family.
Craig Allen Monson was born November 29, 1948 in Winnebago County, the son of Ruthford B. and Doris Ilene (Myre) Monson. He was baptized and confirmed at the Winnebago Lutheran Church, rural Lake Mills; Craig continued to be a life-long member. He attended and graduated from Forest City High School in 1967. He attended NIACC for a short time until he volunteered to serve his country in the United States Army. He served his first tour in Vietnam in 1969, where he was decorated for combat duty. He later served a 2nd tour and was stationed in Hawaii until he was summoned home for his brother's Normans funeral and to help his dad on the farm. He was later honorably discharged from the Army. On November 4, 1967 he was married to Kris Dunbar, to this union, two sons, Brian and Shawn was born; this marriage was later dissolved. On October 14, 1978 he was married to Teresa Ann Stough at the Winnebago Lutheran Church, they were blessed with three children, Colby, Cohen and Callen. Craig and Teresa raised their children on the family farms in Mount Valley Township close to Craig's parents. He farmed and raised beef cattle with his Dad and carried this on after his father's death with the help of his son, Colby. Craig also worked at the 3M warehouse in Forest City for 29 years until he took early retirement in 2010 due to his father's failing health. He enjoyed his time here and all the friends he made over the years. Craig was a loving and thoughtful husband and father and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Craig was a gifted mechanic, was passionate about farming and also Harley Davidson Motorcycles. Craig shared this passion of motorcycles with his son, Colby; they loved working on and building motorcycles together. Craig loved riding his Harley and loved the feel of the open road.
Craig also enjoyed family movie nights with his family, grilling out, watching U.F.C fights and most of all spending time with his family and friends. Craig always had time to visit and always had a smile on his face that was contagious. He is survived by his wife Teresa of Forest City; children, Brian Monson and Shawn Monson of Seattle, WA, Colby, Cohen and Callen Monson all of Forest City; grandsons, Logan and Drew Monson of Seattle, WA; siblings, Ardie (Dale) Johnson of Minneapolis, MN, Murray (Donna) Monson of Boone, IA, Mark Monson of Mora, MN; sister-in-law, Elaine Dralle of Knoxville, IA; brother-in-laws, Barry Stough of Alma, CO, Greg Stough, Steve Stough both of Charles City, Arnie Stough of New Hampton, Kevin Stough of Nashua, IA and Ken (Lori) Stough of Pella, IA; aunts, Fern Rollefson of Forest City, Babe Hagenson of Thompson, IA and very special auntie, Evelyn Hanna of Mason City and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Norman; mother and father-in-law, Harry and Margaret Stough.