Troy Donavan Monson, 49, of Fertile, MN, died on Saturday, July 7, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on May 3, 1963, to Arvid and Priscilla (Leines) Monson in Crookston, MN. Troy grew up in rural Fertile and graduated from the Fertile-Beltrami High School in 1981. While in High School, Troy was involved with football and worked at the John Wahlin Dairy Farm. Following his schooling, Troy continued to work on the dairy farm. Troy was married for 19 years and fathered three children – Megan, Ryan and Kirsten. He worked at Culligan Water in Fertile as a service technician and installer for 25 years. During those years, Troy also worked for Mark Morvig during the harvest season. In March of 2011, Troy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. For the past months, Troy did very well to manage his sickness and maintain a normal life. In the 1980’s, Troy began participating in demolition derbies at local fairs. Later in 1998 to 2005, Troy and his brother, Trever, were involved with demo derbies together. While participating in the demo derby at Detroit Lakes, Troy won 1st place with car #17. For the past several years, Troy enjoyed riding motorcycle, especially with friends from town. Other activities he was involved with were playing a little golf, bowled as a sub for league, split wood, hunted and fished. Troy always like being outdoors, yet camping and fishing with his daughter, Kirsten, was a highlight. Troy was very proud of his children. Troy is survived by his children: Megan, Fertile, Ryan, Pennsylvania, and Kirsten, Thief River Falls, MN; his parents: Arvid and Priscilla, Fertile; siblings: Tina (Robert) Holtman, Fertile; Tammy (Robert) Stoe, Crookston, MN; Tracy Clark, Bejou, MN; Trever (Sarah), Rochester, MN; and Tanya (Kevin) Monson-Ek, McIntosh, MN; several aunts and uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Alma Leines, and Carl and Myrtle Monson; and one infant brother, Joseph.

Funeral service at Faaberg Lutheran Church Rindal, MN, Wednesday, July, 11, 2012, at 10:30 am.

Visitation will be in Faaberg Lutheran Church, Rindal, MN, Tuesday, July 10, 2012, from 6-8 pm with a prayer service at 8 pm.

Burial will be at the Faaberg Lutheran Cemetery, Rindal, MN.