Gay F. Monson

Gay F. Monson (age 80) passed away from cancer on Saturday, August 30, 2025. A memorial service will be held at Emmons Lutheran Church at 3PM on Sunday, September 7, 2025, with a reception immediately following. There will be a private burial at Oaklawn Cemetery of Emmons.

Gay was born on November 17, 1944, in Albert Lea, MN, to the late Kenneth and Arline (Nelson) Monson. He was baptized and confirmed at Emmons Lutheran Church and graduated from Emmons High School in 1962. In the fall of 1962, Gay attended Barber College at the Minneapolis Technical Institute and then served his apprenticeship for barbering in Fairmont, MN. Gay married his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Jean Epland, on October 19, 1963, at Emmons Lutheran Church. In 1965, Gay and Phyllis moved back to Emmons and Gay started his own barbershop in his home, lasting until 2005. Gay and Phyllis were life-long members of Emmons Lutheran Church where Gay ushered for many years and taught Sunday school. He was a member of the Emmons Commercial Club as well as the Emmons Fire Department. He also drove a school bus in Emmons for five years. From 1974 to 1985 he was employed by Universal Corp Milking Machine Division in Albert Lea as an inspector and foreman. He worked for Mrs. Gerry’s Salads in 1986, and then at Carpenter Company for 17 years as a supervisor and in human resources until retirement. Gay enjoyed fishing in the summers at their cabin in Diamond Lake. He loved to laugh, play cards, and spend time with his special friend Helen Steene after his wife passed.

He is survived by his sons, Tracy (Heather) and Mark (Angela) Monson; grandchildren, Jacob, Grace, Gabby, and Bryce Monson; sister Kate Madson, brother Les (Nancy) Monson, special companion, Helen Steene and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and grandsons Benjamin and Isaac Monson. Gay was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.