Obituary of Arie John Monster

Arie John Monster was born August 3, 1935 on a farm near Ashton, IA. He attended country school through the 5th grade, and graduated from Sheldon High School at Sheldon, IA in 1954. Following high school, Arie served his country in the United States Navy. On June 1, 1956, he was united in marriage to LaVonne DeKok. The couple began their married life at Bremerton, WA where Arie was currently stationed. After his honorable discharge in 1957, Arie and LaVonne moved back to northwest Iowa and began farming together. It was here they raised their son and three daughters. Arie had a passion for the business of farming and raising livestock. His entrepreneurial spirit always led him to embrace new farming techniques and ideas. He spent long days outdoors on the farm, yet his positive attitude and demeanor carried him through the highs and lows that come with agriculture. He also loved to build and remodel structures. These kinds of projects brought him much joy and satisfaction. Arie was always involved with his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. He was their biggest cheerleader, with only kind words and encouragement. The community he lived in was also important to him. He enjoyed helping neighbors and friends as needs arose. The most important part of Aries’ life was his Christian faith. Jesus was the Lord of his life, and he lived out that belief. He was very active in his church and believed in the mission of reaching the world with the message of salvation. His faith led him to be involved with a new church-start project, and many people were blessed. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, LaVonne of Hartley, IA; his son, Jeff (Barb) Monster; his daughters: Leisa (Tom) Davis, Machelle (Kent) Applegate; son-in-law, Steve Hibma; his sister, Marjorie Vander Lee; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Martha Monster; and his daughter, Suzanne Hibma. The family will be present at the visitation from 5:00 p.m. to7:00 p.m. Friday evening. Burial will take place prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. at Pleasant View Cemetery near Hartley, IA. All Memorial may be directed to the OKOBOJI BIBLE CENFERENCE Celebration of Life Arie J. Monster Born ~ August 3, 1935 Died ~ January 4, 2017 Age ~ 81 years 5 months 1 day MEMORIAL SERVICE Saturday, January 7, 2017 ~ 11:00 a.m. United Methodist Church Hartley, Iowa Officiating ~ Pastor Bryan Anderson Organist ~ Deb Bleeker Musical Tribute Grandchildren/Great-Grandchildren “I Will Rise” Chris Tomlin Congregational Singing Processional: "Victory In Jesus" Recessional: "Because He Lives" Pallbearers Levi Hibma Adam Grimm TJ Davis Benjamin Davis Nate Davis Deric DenHartog Jason Blankers Aaron Boll Honorary Pallbearers AnneBeth Grimm Stephenie Hibma Amber DenHartog Rachel Blankers Erin Boll Megan Hibma Military Graveside Rites Arthur W. Kirchhoff Post #288 Hartley, Iowa Burial Pleasant View Cemetery Hartley, Iowa