Luther T. Monkelien, age 95, of Pocahontas, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Accura HealthCare of Pomeroy in Pomeroy, Iowa.

Luther Theodore Monkelien was born June 6, 1929, in Grant Township, Pocahontas County, Iowa. He was the son of Lewis Theodore and Alma Emelia (Johnson) Monkelien. Luther was raised on the farm in Grant Township where he attended country school. He graduated from the Pocahontas High School in 1948. In 1951, Luther joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He was honorably discharged in 1953. During his time at Fort Jackson, he met Myrtle Roe, and on June 20, 1953, Luther was united in marriage to Myrtle in Columbia, SC. The couple settled in Pocahontas where Luther was a salesman, farmer and elevator employee. Upon retirement, Luther and Myrtle spent time in Zephyrhills, Florida. Myrtle passed away in 2001 and Luther continued to make his home in Pocahontas.

Luther was a member of Elfsborg Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Masons, Shriners, American Legion and the Kiwanis. Luther's many interests included farming, crafts, polka music, thrashing B's, garage sales, donuts and coffee, staying in touch with family and friends, reunions, family heritage, family stories and quilting, having made one quilt a year for over 20 years. He would piece it together during the summer in Pocahontas, and hand stitch quilt it in Florida during the winter. Luther was always willing to lend a helping hand to others.

Survivors include his sons, Kyle (Denise) Monkelien of Anchorage, AK and Lamar (Rene) Monkelien of Blaine, MN; grandchildren, Erica Monkelien and Jason (Jess) Monkelien, both of Anchorage, AK, Nathan Monkelien of Ashland, WI, Anna Monkelien of Maplewood, MN and Shannan Monkelien (Xander) of Blaine, MN; great-grandchildren, Autumn, Malaki, Zayden, Lincoln, Jason, Jayden, Jodee and Joseph, and a sister, Connie Belles of Zephyrhills, FL.

Luther was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle; his parents, Lewis and Alma, and brothers, Basil Monkelien and Anthony Monkelien.