Kenneth C. Monger, 64, unexpectedly passed away at his home in Portland, OR on February 12, 2016 with his wife of 43 years, Nancy, at his side from complications of cancer.
Ken was a 4th generation native of Steamboat Springs, growing up on a ranch in the lower Elk River valley. He graduated from Steamboat Springs High School in 1969. During his high school years, he played football and was an accomplished wrestler earning a state championship award and a scholarship to University of Oklahoma. He eventually transferred to University of Northern Colorado where he continued to wrestle at the collegiate level. He graduated from UNC with a Business degree. While in college, he met the love of his life, Nancy Fischer, and they soon married and started a family.
He was a devoted husband and father and was especially fond of watching and helping his children; Ericka, Erin, and Ryan excel in sports. It was common to see him as the “catcher” while his girls practiced fast pitch softball and traveled across the country to participate in their lives. Once he became a grandfather “Papa”, he doted over his 6 grandchildren: attending many special occasions and being an important part of their lives. He was a kind, gentle man who had a way of making everyone he met feel like a friend.
He spent his career in sales with Skill Power Tools, Makita USA, SPX Power Team, and lastly as Sales Manager for Parker Hannifin. In addition to his career, he and Nancy designed and built 3 homes in Billings, MT and Portland. He continued his love for remodeling and fixing things by helping with his children’s homes and on the Monger family ranch. He loved visiting the Yampa Valley where he could ski, hike, ride horses, or jump on a tractor.
Ken is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughters Ericka (Kevin) Strange of Cypress, TX, Erin (Tony) Rosso of Steamboat Springs, son Ryan (Janet) Monger of Santa Clara, CA, and 6 grandchildren. His mother, Evelyn, brothers Larry, Vernon, and Doug and sister Donna Mae Hoots also survive him. His father, Lloyd Monger, preceded him in death.
A Celebration of Life is planned for mid summer in Steamboat Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his name at Alpine Bank to benefit Steamboat Springs youth organizations.