Wesley "Wes" Monshaugen

Wesley "Wes" Monshaugen, 81, of Roslyn, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Strand Kjorsvig Living Center in Roslyn.

Memorial services will be 10:30am Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Fron Lutheran Church near Roslyn.

Memorial visitation will be 5-7pm Friday, August 1, 2025 at the funeral home, closing with a 7pm prayer service. If you ever jammed with Wes or play an instrument, please bring to visitation and share your musical talent.

On Saturday, November 20th 1943 at Peabody Hospital in Webster, South Dakota in the midst of World War II and 5 days before Thanksgiving, a baby boy was welcomed by Alfred and Thelma Monshaugen. They named their son, Wesley Alfred and he joined an older sister Ramona who was a year old. The family became complete with the addition of 2 more sisters; Carole in 1945 and Lois in 1946.

Young Wes was a curious boy who loved to tinker with anything he could take apart and put back together. While in country school at Pleasant View #124, his sisters remembered a day when he stayed home sick from school and “operated on his sister Carole’s doll and took her crier out”. Another memory is Wes’ love for music and playing the harmonica at a young age. His Dad, Alfred played so he may have learned to play from him. In the future, he would learn to play many instruments on his own while playing by ear. These included, guitar, steel guitar, fiddle and any other instrument he picked up. He was also an amazing singer. He had a true gift.

He was baptized and confirmed at Fron Lutheran Church. His faith was an important part of his life and he maintained a relationship with Jesus that sustained him through life’s ups and downs. He really enjoyed Pastor Tim, his pastor at Fron. One of his special memories was officiating his granddaughter Hope’s marriage to Riley Meyer.

While in high school, he played on the football team, track team, acted in plays, sang in mixed choir and performed in All State Choir. He graduated from Roslyn High School along with 20 other classmates in May 1961 with a life of adventure ahead of him.

After graduation, Wes enlisted in the Air Force and served for 8 years while stationed at Loring Air Force Base in Maine, Clark Air Base in the Philippines, a six month deployment to Vietnam, and ending at Webb Air Force Base in Big Spring, TX. In addition to his time in the Air Force, he enlisted in the South Dakota Army National Guard and was honored as a guest along with many other veterans on the Midwest Honor Flight in May of 2025.

While stationed in Maine and on leave, Wes and Mary Ellen Hemmah were united in marriage on February 23, 1965 in Aberdeen, SD. Their oldest son, Scott was born in 1968. After serving in the military and upon returning to their home state of South Dakota, Wes and Mary Ellen welcomed 2 more sons to their family; Alan in 1970 and Mark in 1972.

After moving back to South Dakota Wes worked for the National Guard as a cook. He was also a mechanic, even owning his own shop for a time in Roslyn. He also drove a semi and hauled heavy duty equipment to the lower 48 states and Alaska.

On September 19th, 1981, Wes and Sharon Johnson were married at St. John’s Lutheran Church. One adventure they embarked on was moving to Mexico for 1.5 years while Wes was employed with Butler Machinery where he repaired equipment used in a gold mine. Wes also did construction over the years as well as hauled grain for area farmers.

Wes had a curiosity for learning new things and was talented at being able to teach himself new skills. One night, while on the road in his truck he was parked in a Kmart parking lot. He ventured inside and purchased the materials to learn to crochet and this hobby resulted in many beautifully crocheted blankets for friends and family. He had finished a blanket for a new grand baby a few days before he passed. His beautiful creations will be cherished for many years and generations.

Wes was involved with music for most of his life and enjoyed singing and playing with several bands. For many years, Wes and Sharon along with the Creamery Band hosted talent from the area at their music nights. This was a welcome addition to the Roslyn Community and brought friends, neighbors, families and strangers together all for the love of music. He also loved seeing his grandchildren involved in music.

In addition to music and crocheting, he enjoyed camping, anytime of the year fishing, tinkering with projects in his “play house”, cooking, gardening and canning, spending time with family and friends and traveling. Wes was a friend to all and was generous with his time and talents.

Did you hear the one about….You’ve probably heard this phrase when having a conversation with Wes. He was an avid joke teller and could remember or make up a joke about anything. He was the true KING of corny jokes.

Wes passed away, Saturday, July 26th, 2025, at Roslyn, South Dakota at the age of 81 years, 8 months, and 6 days.

Those who loved him dearly are his cherished sons Scott (Terri) of Sioux Falls, SD, Alan (Ellen) of Walnut Grove, MN, Mark (Jenn) of Spring, TX, Step-son Lonnie (Marie) Johnson of Grenville, SD, treasured grandchildren, Hope (Riley) Meyer of Sioux Falls, SD, Kersey (Jerrod) Schumacher of Marion, SD, Shelby Monshaugen of Sioux Falls, SD, Terren (Logan) Barr, Sioux Falls, SD, Ashley (Anthony) Antonello of Kingwood, TX, Luke Monshaugen of Chapel Hill, NC, Andrew (Allison) Johnson of Aberdeen, SD, Alex (April) Johnson of Box Elder, SD, Ethan (Jessica) Johnson of Aberdeen, SD, and Evan (Ashley) Johnson of Ipswich, SD and many beloved great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Ramona Wold of Fridley, MN, Carole Randall of St. Johns FL, Lois (Craig) Dow of Arlington, TX, and many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Sharon, nephew, Chuck Johnson, brothers-in-law, Troy Randall and Loren Jondahl, sister-in-law, Jayne Hayes, and daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Johnson.

One more message from Wes:

“I hope you enjoy the roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans like I would have.”