Genevieve MONSON

MONSON, SHAW, SOLYST, SAMPSON, RYAN, DEMASSEY

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/29/2009 at 10:01:15

April 28, 2009
Belmond Independent, Iowa

Genevieve Monson, age 91, a long time Belmond resident, died in her sleep April 25, 2009 at Bethany Life Communities in Story City where she had lived since October 2008. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 1 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Belmond with Pastor Carolyn Pflibsen officiating. Burial will be in the Story City Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Andrews Funeral Home in Belmond and continue one hour prior to the service at the church Friday. Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial in Genevieve's name may consider the Marie Sandvik Center in Minneapolis or Riverside Bible Camp.

Genevieve, the daughter of Lewis and Agate Marie (Shaw) Monson, was born August 30, 1917 at Spencer. As an infant she moved with her parents to Story City where she graduated from high school in 1935. Genevieve moved to Belmond where she worked for Dr. Steele's family for a number of years. Later she began a long career at First State Bank in Belmond, retiring at age 65. Genevieve enjoyed traveling and had been to many places throughout the United States and the world, including Israel and Hawaii. One of her favorite journey's was to Norway, as she was very proud of her Norwegian heritage. She made annual trips to Scandinavian Days in Story City. Genevieve had a tremendous passion for reading and keeping up on local and world events. Her personal library of books numbered well into the hundreds. She will be remembered for her keen and diverse knowledge, her strong dignity, her warm and friendly personality, and her famous hugs. In earlier years she enjoyed knitting and made many items for family, organizations, and to give to those less fortunate. She was an excellent baker and was known for her homemade breads. She loved to go out for lunch, coffee with friends, and play cards. She welcomed visits from her family. Genn was fond of cardinals and her home was adorned with cardinal collectables. Genevieve had a very strong faith and was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran where she was active in the Pearl Circle. She had been a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for 60 years, the Belmond Historical Society, the Over 60's Club, and the Sons of Norway. She enjoyed living at the Belmond Community Apartments, her many friendships, and the activities there.

She was preceded in death by her brother Herbert Oran Monson and her sister Marion Solyst. Survivors include her nieces and their families, Gloria (Owen) Sampson of Story City, Barbara Ryan of Des Moines and her son Jason Ryan of Highlands Ranch, CO, and Gayle (Bob) DeMassey and their children Addy and Shantine of Highlands Ranch; brother-in-law Jesse Solyst of Hubbard; and sister-in-law Clara Monson of Iowa Falls.