Stephen Brent Monsen
1936-2021
Stephen, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend passed away on June 8, 2021. He was surrounded by family members as they cried, laughed, and shared memories of his life and love.
Stephen was born May 29, 1936, in Spring City, Utah to Sheldon Monsen and Inez Justesen Monsen. His aunt always told the story of Stephen being born in the family home while she held the light. He spent his childhood in Mt Pleasant Utah, playing sports, riding horses, herding sheep, and of course being with friends and family. It was in grade school that Stephen started teasing a girl sitting in front of him, Lois Phillips, they later married in 1956 in the Manti Temple and the teasing continued throughout their marriage. Stephen and Lois added two sons to their family in 1957 and 1958 and a daughter in 1960. True to tradition, the 2 sons continue Stephens's love of teasing. Stephen was not afraid of hard work and always expected perfection. Stephen graduated from Snow College in 1955 and from Brigham Young University in 1960; the day his daughter was born. He worked for the Fish Game in Ephraim, Utah and continued his career as a botanist for the US Forest Service in Boise, Idaho and Provo, Utah. He was an expert in his field and published numerous papers and books on rangeland ecology. He had a love for the outdoors, gardening, raising animals, hunting, and spending time at his cabin in Fairview, Utah. His greatest love was his family. He loved supporting them in all of their activities and giving everyone in the family encouragement and guidance in their lives. An additional love of Stephen’s was food--especially sweets. A couple of the family’s favorite memories are of Grandpa Steve starting up his tractor, putting the grandkids (or great-grandkids) in the bucket, and driving the backroads in Mapleton to get a candy bar and a soda pop. When they returned from the tractor ride he would tell the kids scary stories and spend hours playing catch. Stephen was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions throughout his life. He was always serving others and made sure to teach his children the importance of charity; this Christ-like example is something the family hopes to carry on.
He is survived by his wife Lois Phillips Monsen, children; Craig and (Shelly) Monsen, Tod and (Robi) Monsen, and Stephanie and (Jon) Anderson, 18 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sheldon and Inez Monsen, brothers; Sheldon Jay Monsen and John Phillip Monsen, and grandchildren; Amy Rebecca Monsen and Jesse Stephen Monsen.
Funeral and viewing Service will be held at the Mapleton 23rd ward building house (1050 N 300 W) Friday, June 18th at 10:30 AM. A viewing will precede the services Thursday, June 17th at 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Friday, June 18th from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Stephen will be buried in the Mt. Pleasant, Utah cemetery. Funeral services provided by Premier Funeral Services. Condolences can be sent to the family at
www.premierfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please donate to your favorite charity.
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