Born on December 20, 1935, he was the first of 8 children born to Emil and Katherine (Betzold) Sprute.
Monte attended Farmington High School where he excelled in basketball, football and track. His athletic accomplishments included: track; placing 9th in state high hurdles, winning conference high and low hurdles for two consecutive years; basketball; breaking scoring records, being named co-captain, and named to the all-conference team in his senior year.
After graduating with an athletic scholarship in 1953, Monte’s height of 6’5” gave him an advantage on the basketball court at Winona/ Mankato State University where he studied business.
Drafted into the United States Army in 1958, he completed training in The Signal School. Monte was top in his Cryptography class earning the privilege to join the 17th Signal Battalion based in Karlsruhe, Germany. Monte received an honorable discharge with rank of Private First Class in 1960 and received the Good Conduct Medal.
Monte’s first marriage in 1962 blessed him with one son. His second marriage in 1976 eventually dissolved yet blessed him with two daughters.
Monte’s hobbies included bow hunting, fishing, cruising around on his motorcycle, tending to his hobby farm animals and gardening.
After retiring from McKesson pharmaceuticals after 35 years, Monte enjoyed yearly fishing trips to Canada, camping trips with his daughters, cooking up large meals for family and friends, and spending countless hours spoiling his grandkids.
Monte will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and wit.
Preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Bryan; brothers, Gale, LeRoy and David.
Monte will be greatly missed by his daughters, Tamara (Scott) Wallin and Tawnya Sprute; former spouse, Laura Sprute; grandchildren, Jay, Mason, Colton, Brooke & Bianca; siblings, Kay (Ellsworth) Hoeppner, Vesta Lach, Dwayne, Patricia Sprute; and many dear friends.
Visitation will begin at 10am until time of service at 11 am on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Constance Free Church, 16150 Crosstown Blvd NW, Andover. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
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