James Monson

James Monson, 80, of Stratford, died Sunday, April 24, 2016 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Methodist Church in Stratford with Pastor Brian McNamara officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the church. James Ernest Monson, son of Merrill and Opal Baker Monson, was born January 3, 1936 in Boone. James graduated from Stratford High School in 1954. He married Glenda Hall on October 23, 1955 at the Calvary Methodist Church in Stratford. The couple farmed north and south of Stratford. He is survived by his wife, Glenda (Jeanie) of Stratford; children, Michael (Sandra) Monson of Columbia, MO, Kendra (Mark) Stumpenhorst of Stratford, Steve (Laura) Monson of Stratford; grandchildren, Mandy (Eli) Frakes, Hans Stumpenhorst, Jeff (Allison) Monson, Steve (Alex Marie) Monson, Christine (Jordan) Anderson, Andrew (Dacia) Monson; great-grandchildren, Quinton Frakes, Alexis Frakes and Luke Monson; brother-in-law, Norman Erickson of Webster City. James was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lois Anderson and Margaret Erickson. James was a member of South Marion Methodist Church, serving on the Church Board and teaching Sunday School. He was also a member of the Stratford School Board, Stratford Elevator Board, Stratford Telephone Board, a Township Trustee, a 3rd Degree Mason and District Lecturer. He played fast pitch softball for the Stratford Merchants team, collected and restored antique tractors, enjoyed auctions and conversation with friends and strangers alike. Write a personal tribute for the family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com