Vernon Montonye

Vernon "Jack" Montonye, 86, died on January 25, 2017, after a brief illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 30, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville.

Visitation will be held at the church Sunday evening from 5 – 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7. Visitation will continue one hour prior to Mass on Monday. Urn bearer will be Julie Shoemaker and burial will be in Graceville Consolidated Cemetery.

Jack was born on August 26, 1930, to Angeline and Jordan Montonye in Graceville, MN. He was baptized in to the Catholic faith at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

Vernon "Jack" Montonye met and married Phyllis Ann "Dode" Larkin on February 5, 1952, in the Catholic Chapel in Camp McCoy, WI. Phyllis and Jack made their home in Graceville, MN, and were blessed with eleven children: Julie, Jean, Janelle, Carol, Kathy, Barb, Jim, Jerry, Tom, Rich and John.

He attended country school and then graduated from Morris Agricultural School in Morris MN. In 1951, he enlisted in the Army during the Korean Conflict . After his tour in the Army, he returned to Graceville. He worked for Cargill Inc as an elevator manager for 35 years.

From a young age, he enjoyed hunting, trapping, and fishing and shared this love of the outdoors with his children. He had a great love for his dogs, especially his golden retrievers. After retirement, he loved puttering with his flowers, hunting and fishing with his sons, and getting fussed over by his daughters. He could always be seen around town with one of his faithful dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis Ann; one son, John; and one daughter, Carol.

Vernon is survived by his children: Julie (Jeff) Shoemaker of Lake in the Hills, IL; Jean Montonye of Golden, CO; Janelle (Dean) Janssen of Dunnell, MN; Kathy (Jack) Barrows of Fargo, ND; Barb (Dan) Olinger of Hutchinson, MN; Jim (Beth) Montonye of Rochester, MN; Jerry (Karen) Montonye of St. Louis Park, MN; Tom (Barb) Montonye of Graceville, MN; and Rich Montonye of McHenry, ND ; fifteen grandchildren; one great granddaughter, Julianna; step great grandchildren: Evalynn, Jade, and Max ; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.