Stephen ‘Steve’ Monson

Stephen ‘Steve’ Monson
November 13, 1950 • December 14, 2024

Stephen “Steve” Martin Monson entered eternal rest and went to his heavenly home Saturday, December 14, 2024, after a short hospice stay. His wife, Carolyn, was by his side as he gained peace after years of struggling with symptoms of chronic pain and Parkinson’s Disease. He was visited by many family and friends during his final days.
A memorial service is planned for February 4, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. (MST) at Christ Church of the Valley in Peoria, AZ.
Stephen was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, November 13, 1950, first-born son of Leif and Darlene Monson. He attended and graduated from Walnut Grove (MN) High School and enrolled in the United States Navy in 1969.
He married Candyce Jo Pack on May 1, 1971. The marriage brought them to many different places, but ultimately to Benson, Minnesota, where he worked at the town’s grain elevator for 11 years. The marriage was blessed with three children: Tory, Molly, and Jesse.
He began a new career as an over-the-road truck driver in 1989. He relocated to Arizona in 1996 and became a regional driver for US Food Services. He retired from truck driving in 2013 because of chronic neck and back pain.
He met Carolyn Bennett, to whom he was married on November 3, 2001. Carolyn’s children, Jennifer and Chris, became an extension of his family who, in turn, loved and cared for him. They celebrated 23 years of marriage in November, prior to his passing.
He was an avid sports fan and was passionate about NASCAR, as well as teams from both Minnesota and Arizona. As his physical health deteriorated, his iPad became a regular companion, which he used to keep on top of the sports world, the weather, and the activities of his favorite farming streamers.
Stephen is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children: Tory (Sherrie) Monson of Penn Yan, NY; Molly (Bryan) Verhelst of Canby, MN; Jesse (Andria) Monson of Shakopee, MN; Jennifer (Ryan) Sharp of Peoria AZ; Christopher (Dawn) Bennett of El Mirage, AZ. He was also the proud “papa” to grandchildren: Landon, Riley and Avery Monson of Penn Yan, NY; Kalee and Emily Verhelst of Canby, MN; Joshua and Jonathan Monson of Shakopee, MN; Kenzie and Kaci Sharp of Peoria, AZ; Hailey and Holly McEwen, and Jack Bennett of El Mirage, AZ; Sister Deborah Williams and niece Cassidy Williams.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Barb Monson, brother-in-law Tim Williams, and several aunts and uncles. He also looks forward to meeting his favorite fur-baby, Chloe, at the Rainbow Bridge.
    Memorials can be addressed to:
Surprise Inpatient Unit
Hospice of the Valley
1510 E. Flower Street
Phoenix, AZ 85014