Melvin Roy Monson

Melvin Roy Monson, a young 95 years, died peacefully at home on May 13, 2014 after a short illness. Born December 16, 1918 on a farm in Yorktown, Illinois, Melvin was the son of John and Ida (Nelson) Monson. In 1920, his family moved to North Dakota where Melvin spent his formative years. Melvin enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July 1942 and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in October 1945. On February 7, 1954 Melvin married Lillian Roemmich, and they had four children. In addition to spending time with his family, Melvin enjoyed playing cards, riding bicycles, taking walks in the timber, ice skating, woodworking, walking in the mall, and having coffee with the morning McDonald's group. His special interests included historic cars, ships, airplanes, motorcycles, steam trains, and bridges.

Melvin is survived by his wife, Lillian; his children, Wanda (Rick) Nelson, Donna (Steve) Monson, Leon Monson, Scott (Kelly) Monson; grandchildren, Val (Adam) Nelson Lilly, Garrett (Jill) Nelson, Karin (fiancé Tom Mason) Dahlgren, Anna-Lisa (Jason Samens) Dahlgren, Aly Monson, Kaeleigh Monson, Braden Monson and great-grandchildren, Gwyn Nelson and Zooey Nelson Lilly. Melvin was a lifelong learner who will be missed by his family and friends.

A celebration of Melvin's life will be held on Friday, May 16, 2014 at11:00 a.m. at Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles Street, Rockford, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Kreider Services Inc., 500 Anchor Road, Dixon, Illinois, 61021. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL assisted the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com