Died Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Nye Square.
Monte was born January 8, 1926 in Herman, Nebraska to Elmond and Lela 'Justice' West. He graduated from Herman High School in 1943. Monte entered the Army in April of 1944. He did his basic training at Camp Lee, Virginia. His advanced training was completed at Ft. Lewis, in Tacoma, Washington. He married Norma Kruse in 1944 in Tacoma. Monte shipped overseas in April of 1945. He served in Luzon, Philippines where he was wounded. Monte was discharged from active duty in April of 1946 and served three more years in the Army Reserve. He received his pilot license and became a private pilot in 1946, and served in the Civil Air Patrol in 1946 and 1947.
Monte and his partner Ralph Kohler started the K & W Decoy Company in Tekamah, Nebraska. He also worked as a professional guide for Duck and Goose hunting for over 60 years. He ran a fly in fishing camp in Ontario, Canada from 1972 to 1984. Monte retired in 1984 the year that Norma passed away.
Survivors:
Daughters - Barbara Ann Schacht of Blair
Pamela Sue West of Fremont
Cynthia Kay Hosch of Fremont
Grandchildren - Jamie (Dale) Smith of Ft. Calhoun
John (Mary) Swanson of Omaha
Shane (Sara DenBeste) of Gretna
Jason Schacht of Omaha
Justin Hosch of Omaha
Becky (James) Spencer of Fremont
15 great grandchildren
5 great great grandchildren
Monte was preceded in death by his parents and wife Norma.
There is no viewing but the family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 from 6pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. Memorials are suggested to FurEver Homes in Fremont.
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(3)
Steve Stertz
Meridian, ID Tuesday, August 2, 2022 So much fun growing up and visiting your family in Fremont in the 60’s. Always looked forward to summer vacation. Monte sure enjoyed outdoor’s. I still use his goose call, after all these years. God Bless!John Groh
North Bend, NE Thursday, July 28, 2022 Cindy and Monte's family--sad to hear of your father's passing. 96---what a long life. So many changes Monte has seen and lived through during those so many years.My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. The passing of a parent is a difficult canyon pass to walk through.
God Bless--may your many memories support you daughters--and bring laughs to grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Monte's. The stories must be shared. While he may be gone in this life, his memory lives on in each of you.
Reid Kenedy
Omaha, NE Thursday, July 28, 2022 Monte - simply the best!!! A great man and a great friend. Reid Kenedy