Rudolph Wilford Monson Jr.

Rudy was born in Duluth on July 21, 1929 to Rudolph and Nettie (Anderson) Monson. He attended and graduated in 1947 from Denfeld High School. Rudy was a tremendous athlete excelling in football, track and especially basketball. He led Denfeld High School to the State Basketball Championship in 1947. He went on to attend the University of Minnesota in Duluth and the Twin Cities. Rudy played basketball at UMD and was All Conference throughout his career. He still has records existing to this day. Rudy’s skill in basketball led to him being drafted by the former Minneapolis Lakers but his playing career was cut short due to injuries. Rudy served in the US Navy for 2 years and the US Naval Reserve for 6 years. While serving, Rudy was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He received his degree in Civil Engineering and was a registered land surveyor. He was employed by the city of Duluth for 29 years and was Director of the Water and Gas Department before retiring in 1993. Rudy married Marilyn Goneau in 1951. Rudy was a founding member of the Denfeld Alumni Association and remained on its board of directors until his death. He was elected to the Minnesota Centennial Sports Hall of Fame in 1958, the Denfeld Hall of Fame in 1966 and the UMD Hall of Fame in 1997.

Rudy was always an individual who continually looked at increasing his knowledge and gaining new skills. He attended IBM’s Computer School, had taken Dale Carnegie’s speaking courses, attended the Blackstone School of Law and also received his license as a private pilot. He also had his own small dance band for three years in which he could play the piano, saxophone and clarinet.

Rudy was an avid downhill skier and served as a member of the National Ski Patrol for 40 years. He also was quite the trick water skier, thoroughly enjoying his time spent at his cabin on Pike Lake. He was a member of the American Legion, Pugs Club and the Lake Avenue Loafers. He enjoyed his Tuesday cribbage club and his Wednesday breakfast club.

Rudy was very active in his church, Elim Lutheran, where he was a Lay Minister and served on numerous committees including Council President. Most important to Rudy were his family and faith. His kindness, unselfishness and sense of humor were unequaled. He was a great man and will be missed dearly. Our hearts and minds will forever hold his presence.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph W. Monson Sr. and Nettie R. (Anderson) Monson.

Rudy is survived by his wife of 59 years Marilyn; son Rudolph W. III “Boomer” (Mari); daughters, Pattie Fralich-Peterson and Bobbie (Mark) Macor; brother Robert L. Monson; grandchildren, Emily, Jack, Dean, Dane (Korri), Angela (Bob) and Joe (Holly); nine great-grandchildren; nephew David; beloved dog Lily as well as many other family members and friends.

Visitation from 10 am until the 11 am Funeral Service on Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at Elim Lutheran Church 6101 Cody St. with Pastor Jim Hagen officiating. Interment will be held in Oneota Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Bell Brothers Funeral Home, Duluth, MN.