Michael Jon Monson passed away on Dec. 15, 2014 at the Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Facility in Duluth, Minn. He was born on Nov. 17, 1957 in Zumbrota, Minn. to Robert and Mary Hugstad Monson. Mike was a graduate of Red Wing Central High School class of 1976 and St. Olaf College class of 1980.

After college graduation and as the family business expanded, Mike moved to Duluth and immersed himself in his career at Monson Trucking, Inc. until its closing in 2009. He moved up the ranks from “gopher, grunt, and tractor washer” to Vice President. Mike was a member of the Board of Directors of The Minnesota Trucking Association.

Mike had a longtime interest in golf, the stock market, talking politics, and of course, trucks! He enjoyed canoe trips and ice fishing excursions, as well as many memory-making get-togethers with his lifelong friends. Mike has been blessed with devoted friends and relatives who have enriched his life with their friendship and support.

Mike leaves behind his parents, Robert and Mary Monson; aunts and uncles, including James Hugstad ’61, Paul Hugstad ’65, and Martha Hugstad Hoven ’59; brother, Mark Monson and wife Kristi; sister, Carrie Huppert and husband Roger; three nieces, Melissa Kim and husband Johnny, Megan Licano and husband Alex, and Jessica France, in whose lives Mike played a very important role.

Mike and his family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at both St. Luke’s Hospice Duluth and Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center. Their outstanding care and genuine concern for Mike and his family is deeply appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to St. Luke’s Hospice Duluth.