Basil L. Monkelien

Basil Lewis Monkelien, 75, died peacefully surrounded by his family on March 26, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa of complications due to chemotherapy. Basil was born on October 3, 1932, the son of Theodore and Alma (Johnson) Monkelien in Fonda, Iowa. He graduated from Pocahontas High School, Luther College in Wahoo, Nebraska and the University of Nebraska. He was a US Army veteran having served in Korea. Basil was united in marriage with Kay Streit on December 5, 1953 at Elfsborg Lutheran Church in Pomeroy, Iowa. Basil worked in both sales and purchasing in the meat and food industries. He retired from the Dial Corporation in Ft. Madison, Iowa in 1998. Since retirement he and Kay have lived in Spencer. Basil loved the Lord, his family and his church. He had a servant heart, working diligently for his church, his community and his neighbors. Basil enjoyed golf, his porch and visits with his family and friends. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of fifty-four years, Kay; children, Sandra (Dan) Peterson of Ames, IA, Dr. Sheryl Monkelien of Wellsboro, PA, Sue (Jeff) Wodka of Plano, TX and Scott (Nanette) Monkelien of Stetsonville, WI; six grandchildren; his brothers, Luther Monkelien of Pocahontas, IA and Anthony Monkelien of Zephyrhills, FL, his sister, Connie (Fred) Belles of Tampa, FL; and his mother-in-law Hazel Streit of Ames, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents. Basil was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.