Richard "Dick" Charles Monroe passed away at the age of 87 in Great Falls, MT on Wednesday, August 10, 2022.
A vigil service will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church in Valier at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. The Funeral mass will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 10:00 am. Graveside services to follow at the Lakeview Cemetery in Valier. A reception will be held at the church following the burial services.
Dick is survived by his brothers, Robert "Bob" Monroe and Vern (Myrna) Monroe; sister, Alice Garman; brother-in-law, Bill Leys; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dick was born on the family farm Southeast of Valier, MT on October 7, 1934, to Jerome and Magdalena "Maggie" (Christiaens) Monroe. Dick was the third of six children. Dick spent his early school years at the William's Country School in Williams, MT. He graduated the 8th grade from the William's School and attended high school in Valier. Dick graduated from Valier High School in 1951.
After graduation, Dick stayed on the family farm helping with the cows, chickens, pigs and farm work. In 1956 Dick was drafted by the Army and served in Germany from 1957 to 1959. As soon as Dick was discharged from the Army, he flew directly to Detroit and purchased a 1959 Chevrolet Impala. His sister, Agnes "Sis," flew to Detroit to ride back to Valier with him in his new vehicle. Dick came back to Valier and moved into the house where he was born and raised. He lived with his mom whom he helped with daily chores and farming. Dick was always very thoughtful of his mom, Maggie and was always there for her. He took care of his mom for many, many years when her health was failing.
Dick also worked side by side with his two brothers, Bob and Vern, raising wheat, barley, hay and cattle on the family farm. The Monroe Brothers came to be known as hard working, respectable farmers. This tradition continues today with the next generation of Monroe Brothers - Don Monroe and Jody Habel, whom Dick enjoyed working with every day. In 2015, the Monroe Brothers got out of the cattle business and sold the last of their cows. It is a known fact that Dick had a passion for cows and that he was the only reason they had cows on their place as long as they did.
Dick was a hardworking man but did enjoy some hobbies. He bought a lathe from Bill Judisch many years ago and self-taught himself to be a machinist, something he was very good at. In the winter months he spent a lot of his time trapping coyotes, fox, and beaver. He did travel to Ontario, Canada with his sisters and brother-in-law, Bill Leys numerous times to visit relatives. Traveling was not his favorite past time but spending the time with his family was all that mattered to him.
Dick worked on the family farm everyday helping with anything he could. He would be there helping with the seeding, harvesting, driving truck, or whatever he needed to do. He loved farming and didn't retire until he was physically forced to. Dick broke his hip in May of 2021 which made him realize it was time to retire. Dick moved to Conrad and lived with his brother, Bob until his time of his death.
Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Maggie Monroe; father, Jerome Monroe; brother, Harry Lee Monroe; sister, Agnes Leys; sister-in-law, Rose Monroe; brother-in-law, Dick Garman; nephews, Kip Monroe and Lee Kuka.
Dick was a member of the St. Francis Parish in Valier. Faith and family meant everything to Dick. He will be missed by all - especially by Bob, Vern and Myrna, Bill, Alice, Don and Jody.
