Michael Monson – Aug 12, 2021

Michael Monson, 65, of Antigo, WI, died on August 12, 2021 in a car accident.

Mike was born in Fargo, ND to the late Bob and Adele (Johnson) Monson.

After graduating from Jamestown High School, Mike enrolled at the University of North Dakota on a basketball scholarship. At college, he met the love of his life, Laurel. The couple married on a typically beautiful April day in Rock Lake, ND. The blizzard prevented many guests from attending, but proved love weathers all storms.

After graduating from UND (where he was a Charter Member of Pi Kappa Phi and avid Sioux fan), Mike worked in Grand Forks, ND at WDAZ-TV. He later became Advertising Director for a publishing company, which led to a short stint in Rolla, MO.

In 1991, Mike and his family moved to Antigo, WI. Michael worked as a financial advisor and also served as mayor of Antigo.

Throughout his life, Michael worked to positively impact the community. He took great pleasure in the changes he helped initiate as mayor and through his various endeavors.

Michael had a passion for politics. He previously served as member-at-large for the Republican Party of Wisconsin (RPW), as RPW 7th Congressional Chairman, on the RPW Strategic Planning Committee, and with the Langlade County Republican Party. He helped found, and was the first president of, the Langlade County Taxpayers League.

In addition to his work as mayor and in politics, he actively volunteered his time and ‘opinions’. He previously served as lieutenant governor of Optimist International and president of Antigo Optimist Club. He volunteered with the Antigo Rotary club, Special Olympics, and Rolla Jaycees. He was former president of the Wisconsin Commercial Deer Farmers Association.

Michael enjoyed music, cooking, the beauty of nature, maps, and the study of history and philosophy. He cared less for his phone’s auto-correct function and the IRS.

Michael loved sports, especially golf and basketball. His truest joy was in officiating athletics. Whether it was basketball, football, or a soccer game, he always came home with a story to tell. Michael loved to tell his stories.

In addition to his wife, Mike is survived by son, Mason of Temecula, CA; daughter, Sara (Brook Rucinski) of Libertyville, IL; and grandsons Riley Rucinski and Xander Monson. Brothers, Eric (Patricia) of Fargo, ND; Thomas (Kim) of Lone Tree, CO; David of Albuquerque, NM and Paul (Tracy) of Jamestown, ND; 12 Nieces and Nephews and 13 Great Nieces and Nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Antigo United Methodist Church, 2034 Fifth Avenue, Antigo, WI 54409, on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating your time to an organization in your local community.