Obituary of Russell Monson

Russell W. Monson passed away May 16, 2021, in Iowa City. He was 87 years old. Russell was born February 14, 1934, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Earl and Mabel (nee Crooks) Monson. He grew up on the family farm in Crawfordsville, Iowa, and graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids with a business degree. Russell had a varied career ranging from agricultural safety research at the University of Iowa to helping people find jobs through the Iowa Workforce Development Center. Russell also served as a navigator in the United States Air Force out of Mountain Home AFB in Idaho and helped run the family farm for a time after completing his service. Russell was a die-hard fan of the Cubs and the Hawkeyes and was an accomplished tennis player and Wii Bowling enthusiast. When not enjoying sports, he was reading mysteries; Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, and Ellery Queen Magazine were his favorites. He appreciated the Iowa City arts scene and was a supporter and frequent attendee of Riverside Theatre. Russell’s memory will be carried by all who knew him, and he will be missed. Surviving Russell are his cherished children, Charles (Jessica) Monson and Jane (Thomas Welander) Monson; grandchildren, Olivia and Iris Monson; and brother Don Monson. The family wishes to thank the staff of Oaknoll Retirement Community for the wonderful care he received there in his later years. A simple cremation has been arranged for Russell. A memorial service will be scheduled later in the year. Service details will be updated when they become available. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Riverside Theatre.