Gerhard Ingvald Monson

2019-11-26T12:24:45-06:00
Navy Badge
  • Name: Gerhard Ingvald Monson
  • Location of Birth: Grand Rapids, Minnesota
  • Date of Birth: October 7, 1915
  • Date of Death: June 8, 1979 (63 years old)
  • Parents: Mons T. and Ellen P. Monson
  • High School and Class: 1936 - Grand Rapids High School, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
  • College:
  • Highest Rank: F1C (Fireman First Class Non Petty Officer)
  • Branch: Navy
  • Other Branch:
  • Date Sworn In: May 10, 1944
  • Place Sworn In: Village Hall, Grand Rapids, Minnesota
  • Date of Discharge:
  • Place of Discharge:
  • Military Awards:

  • Military Highlights:
    The three Monson brothers (Monell, Harold, and Gerhard) all joined the Navy. Brother Monell died on the destroyer USS Mugford (DD-389) on December 5, 1944. Harold and Gerhard survived.


    The picture shows Gerhard at Monell's grave in the Philippines. It was taken on June 2, 1945.

  • Wars Involved:
    World War II

  • MIA / POW:

  • Civilian Life:
    After serving in the Navy, Gerhard came home to take care of his family. He sold liquor for Ed Phillips and Sons. His was most recently manager of the Grand Rapids Municipal Liquor Store. He was a lifetime resident.

    Gerhard's siblings were Myrtle Gunver (Monson) Lawson, Monell Herman Monson, Palma Valentine (Monson) Ruuhela, Signe G. (Monson) Arnold, and Harold Perman Monson.

    He was married to Nellie Brown in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on June 11, 1939.

    Gerhard was a member of the Itasca Lodge 208 AF & AM, Ponti-Peterson Post 1720 VFW, FOE Aerie 2469, American Diabetes Association and Sons of Norway.

    He was preceded in death by one sister, Signe Arnold, and one brother, Monell, who died during World War II. Survivors include his wife, Nellie; two sons, Glen and Gary; one brother, Harold; two sisters, Mrs. Clarence (Myrtle) Lawson, and Palma Ruuhela; and five grandchildren.

    Buried in Itasca Calvary Cemetery at Grand Rapids, Minnesota. (Plot I-B-11-04)

  • Tribal Affiliation(s):