Menferd Monger

MENFERD MONGER was born to Emil and Marie (Fjellanger) Monger on March 15, 1925 in Moody County, South Dakota, where he was raised and attended the Quissell Country School. He was confirmed into the Lutheran faith on June 4, 1939. Menferd started farming at the age of 16 years old. In 1940, the family moved to a farm in Minnehaha County, South Dakota. He entered the military on January 18, 1951 and spent 13 months in the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged on October 18, 1952.

Menferd was united in marriage to Lois Duffy on September 14, 1955. The couple farmed in Minnehaha County. To this marriage five children were born. Lois preceded him in death on June 16, 1966. On August 15, 1968, Menferd married Eldora Ellefson. They continued to farm, moving to the Ellefson farm in 1982. Eldora preceded him in death on March 1, 2005. Menferd and his brother, Clarence, farmed together until their retirement in 1990. Menferd continued to help Terry Stoterau with farm work for 23 years. Menferd’s favorite past times were dancing, playing cards, visiting many different casinos, gardening and sitting outside enjoying the fresh air and listening to the sounds of nature. Surrounded by his family, Menferd died peacefully on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at the age of 92 years, 9 months, and 18 days.

Menferd was a member of Highland Lutheran Church in rural Sherman where he served as a trustee. He served on the Highland Township board for 14 years, was a member of the Oscar Iverson American Legion for 66 years and a lifetime member of the VFW.

Menferd is lovingly remembered by his five children, Kris (Steve) Frerk of Garretson, SD, Lynn (Duane) Yurek of Silver Lake, MN, Sondra (Keith) Matthiesen of Hartford, SD, Scott (Tammy Kunze) Monger of Jasper, MN and Tammie (Bill) Allcox of De Pere, WI; special friend, Beverly Hunstad of Jasper, MN; four stepchildren, Dianne Zellmer of Sioux Falls, SD, Mavis (Jerry) Remund of Pipestone, MN, Charlotte Oleson of Sioux Falls, and Dennis (Marlene) Ellefson of Fargo, ND; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sisters-in-law, Gloria Monger of Jasper and Jackie Duffy of Sioux Falls, SD; brother-in-law, Phillip Duffy of Luverne, MN and two cousins that were raised as brothers, Clarence Diller of Edgerton and Robert Diller of Madison, MN. He was preceded in death by his wives, Lois and Eldora; granddaughter Jody Quissell; brothers, Ernest and Clarence Monger; and sisters, Avis Knott and Madeline Lerdal.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Jasper City Cemetery, Highland Lutheran Church, Garretson Senior Citizens, the Jasper Fire Department, and the Volunteers of America - Veterans Outreach.