Date of Birth:
Friday, October 30, 1942
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Age:
82 years old

Monte E. Gray

Monte Eugene Gray 1942-2025

Monte was born at home in Oronoco, MN to parents William and Enola Gray, on October 30, 1942.

He grew up and spent most of his time in the Oronoco, Pine Island, and Zumbrota areas, and attended Rochester High School. Monte always had an interest in cars, and throughout his lifetime bought, sold, owned, and fixed many. His “calling” in life may well have been to be a salesman or own his own dealership, but instead it was a hobby that provided him lots of subject matter for conversation. Monte held several jobs throughout the years and was never afraid of hard work. He managed restaurants like Perkins and Country Kitchen, was a chef at the former Carlton Hotel, and was a warehouse manager for Pepsi Cola for many years. In order to support his family, Monte often had side working handy services and lawn care for several area physicians, including Dr. Bruce Douglas, of Rochester. Bruce would ultimately be a good friend to Monte and helped to shape and mold Monte’s very disciplined lifestyle where diet and exercise were concerned. He wanted to avoid illness, doctors, and hospitals at all costs; therefore, took the wisdom of Dr. Douglas to heart. Until the last few weeks of his life, Monte walked and jogged daily and was fit and strong. It was said that his body was more like that of a man in his 60’s.

Monte married Marjo Brannen on June 10, 1961. It was joked about that it was her family TV that was really what he loved, as he loved movies always. Sixty-three years of marriage was evidence that the binding ties were more than TV and movies. Monte never missed a birthday, or anniversary of Marjo’s, and went out of this way to always present a beautiful card, flowers and dinner out. Together they had 3 children: Jeffery (Lucy Cronk) Gray of Mazeppa, Tracey (Doug) Carlson of Rochester, and Steven (Kimberley) Gray of Northfield.

There are 7 Grandchildren: Austin, Preston, Jackson, Garrett, Whitney, Grayson, and Holly Gray, and also recently welcomed great grand-daughter Louella Gray.

Monte is survived by 5 siblings: Caroline Price of Rochester, David Gray- Preston, Darlene Ohnstad- Rochester, Irene Solomon- Rochester, and Donovan Gray- Stewartville.

Every Tuesday Monte would visit brother Don, and nephew’s Ryan, James, Justin, and the crew at Stewartville Auto Body in Stewartville. It was a highlight of each week, and it happened like clockwork, as Monte was a creature of habit. Good times, good humor, and good conversation were the result. He looked forward to it each week.

Monte lived life on his own terms. His strong will, faithful, loyal, predictable, lifestyle and personality mostly served him well throughout his life. He loved to talk with people, would always say, “Hello” to anyone he met, and never wanted to put anyone out. He was a simple, uncomplicated, no fuss person who was  proudly content with minimalism. Monte enjoyed a good meal, a hot cup of coffee, ice cream, and beautiful weather. He will never miss snow blowing and yard mowing!

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Monday in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.

Thank you to the people who lovingly helped to care for Monte in his final days on Earth, and to those who took the time to visit. He always recognized people who went out of their way but never expected it for himself.  He will be greatly missed.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.