Gary T. Monson

Gary T. Monson, 66, of Viroqua died Thursday, February 24, 2011. Attorney Gary Thomas Monson, age 66, of Viroqua died on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at Hillview Care Center in La Crosse. Gary was born to Malvin and Berna (Limoseth) Monson on November 3, 1944 in Viroqua. He was a 1963 honors graduate of Viroqua High School where he excelled in athletics earning a total of 10 letters in football, basketball and baseball and received South Central Conference recognition in basketball his senior year. He graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he received a Bachelor of Science degree and from the T.C. Williams School of Law of the University of Richmond, Virginia where he was awarded the Juris Doctor degree. Gary was engaged in the general practice of law in Viroqua concentrating on civil litigation, real estate, probate and business law and was the first Judge of the Hidden valleys Municipal Court serving the communities of Viroqua, Westby, La Farge, Coon Valley and Stoddard. He maintained the pre-eminent "av" peer rating by his colleagues in the legal profession throughout his years of practice. He served 3 years on active duty in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following graduation from Officer Candidate School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia where he served as Candidate Regimental Commander, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Military Police Corps. His last assignment was as the Executive Officer of the 559th Military Police Company at Fort Monroe, Virginia, an honor guard company which conducted ceremonies along with the 50th Army Band and a battery of 105mm howitzers for visiting military and civilian dignitaries at the historic moat-encircled fort lying along the Chesapeake Bay. He was a member of the Boards of Directors of the Viroqua Foundation, the Associates of the Restored Temple Theatre and the Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center (VARC) and served as a Vernon County Circuit Court Commissioner since 1979. He was a charter member of the Viroqua Rotary Club, a former President of the Vernon County Bar Association, a former member of the Boards of Directors of Vernon Memorial Healthcare and the Vernon Memorial healthcare Foundation, the Viroqua Area Veterans memorial and the VARC Foundation and also served on the Congregation Council of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua and as a member of its Endowment Committee. Gary had a passion for college sports, rare coins, history and the arts. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Wisconsin Badgers and Duke University basketball. He proudly sponsored "Fly Fishing In The Kickapoo Reserve," one of nine magnificent murals adorning the walls of the Upper Lobby of the Temple Theatre in Viroqua painted by well-known artist, Ken DeWaard. Gary was instrumental in the fund-raising and completion of the Viroqua Area Veterans Memorial and was the originator of the 8,000 pound black granite floating sphere known as the "Icon of Peace" situated at the entrance of the memorial. He is survived by his daughter, Vanessa Elizabeth Monson, of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, his sister-in-law, Bonnie Monson, of Durham, North Carolina as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Donald Monson, M.D., Duane Monson, M.D., Roger Monson and Karl Monson. A private memorial service will be held at a later date in accordance with Garys wishes. Friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 1st at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker (Hwy 56), in Viroqua. In Lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are suggested to Vernon Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, the Viroqua Foundation or the Associates of the Restored Temple Theatre. Condolences may be offered to Vanessa at 2451 North 61st Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, 53213. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is assisting the family with arrangements.