Memorial services for Chad Eric Monson of St. Cloud (formerly Albert Lea) will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Dan Baker will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bonnerup Funeral Service, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Central Freeborn Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Albert Lea. Military honors will be accorded by the Albert Lea area veterans groups.
Chad died at his home in St. Cloud Thursday, July 1, 2010. He was 38 years of age.
Chad was born Feb. 25, 1972, in Albert Lea, the son of Jerry and Mary (Carlson) Monson. He was a graduate of Albert Lea High School, class of 1990. Chad joined the U.S. Navy in 1991. He was a decorated veteran, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Battle E Efficiency Award, .45-caliber Pistol Expert, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Letter of Commendation by Flag Officer Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Chad was a Persian Gulf War veteran. He also saw sea duty, served on Guam, and worked on Trident submarines at U.S. Navy base in Kings Bay, Ga. He loved being a veteran and was proud of the U.S. Navy.
Chad had been employed as a welder and worked in Albert Lea, East Grand Forks and St. Cloud. He was baptized and confirmed at the First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.
Chad loved hockey! He played for many years on Albert Lea Hockey Association traveling teams. He played his last three years of hockey on the Albert Lea Domino’s Pizza Jr. Gold team. After serving in the Navy, Chad assisted his dad with coaching duties on the Jr. Gold team and later assisted with coaching duies on the A PeeWee team.
He also enjoyed playing golf. Chad loved the family trips to the Minnesota State Fair and numerous trips up north. Going to auto races with his brother and dad were special also. His time spent with his nieces and nephew meant a lot to him.
He is survived by his father, Jerry Monson, and special friend, JoLane Svendsen, and mother, Mary (Gene) Matthes; one brother, Jeffrey (Buck) and his wife, Mollie, of Albert Lea; sister, Geri Studier of Cottage Grove; nieces: Brittny, Katelynn, Rachael, Mackenzie and Paige; and one nephew, Levi. There are several aunts, uncles and cousins. Two people very close to Chad were his Uncle Steve and Cousin Mark.
Chad was preceded in death by his grandparents; Nels and Beatrice Monson, Byron and Mable Carlson. great-grandmother; Clara Hoium and Uncle Ron Christenson.
Chad will be greatly missed by his family. Rest in peace.