Willard W. Monsrud

A Funeral Service for Willard W. Monsrud of Badger, MN will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 12:30PM at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau, MN. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 5-7PM at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau, MN and also one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Interment will be held at Nannestad Cemetery in Badger, MN.

Willard Wayne Monsrud passed away at his home near Badger on September 2, 2023 at the age of 89 years.  Willard was born at home in Stokes township to parents Albert and Alma (Larson)  Monsrud.  He grew to adulthood in the Badger community, attending school through the 8th grade. He and Verna Gramstad were married on February 24, 1955 in Steinbach, MB.  

As a young man Willard did some logging, farming and milked cows. He worked at Polaris for 27 years as a welder, in R&D and as a foreman while farming and continuing with dairy cattle. He co-owned and operated D&M Liquor Store in Badger for 8 years and worked for Miller and Howell Farms which he thoroughly enjoyed. Willard was a jack of all trades. 

He was a good dancer and loved the casino, playing pool, racing snowmobiles, hunting, visiting with friends and family, taking drives to look at the crops and wildlife and mowing his lawn.  Willard loved waking up early and his first words were always “Where are we going today?”.  He and Verna enjoyed winters in Florida for 20+ years.  Willard was a member of the Eagles and a Deacon at Badger Creek Lutheran Church. 

Willard is survived by his wife of 68 years Verna;  children Karen (Loren) Melby- Badger, Bev Monsrud- Monticello, Allan (Pam) Monsrud- Badger, and Merlyn (Laura) Monsrud- Hayesville, NC.  Grandchildren Shanon (Angie) Monsrud- Badger, Garett (Barb) Monsrud- Badger, Jamie (Nicki) Melby- Anoka, Gabe (Katie) Melby- Belle Plaine, Brandon Worel- Monticello, Andy Worel- Monticello, Jillian (Skylar) DePriest-Jacksonville, FL and Meghan Monsrud- Blairsville, GA. Great grandchildren Olivia (Nate) Broten, Bella Monsrud, Eli, Ezra, Russell, Madison, Justin, Lilli, Sylas, Mackenzie, Myles, Logan and Alexander; and great great grandchildren Beau, Sophie and Elijah.

Willard is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Albin, Theodore, Edmond, Clayton, Donny, Albert Jr., and baby Theodore; sons Wayne, Dale and many other family members. 

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