A celebration of the life of Thomas Richard Monthei, 66, of Jefferson was held Sunday, Aug. 14, at 209 Main restaurant in Paton.
The Rev Monsignor Kevin McCoy presided. Honorary bearers were Mike Coyne, Gary Parker, Jason Monthei, Heath DeWeese, Alex Monthei and Jeff Lesperance.
Thomas Richard Monthei passed away at the age of 66 on Aug. 12, 2016. He leaves behind a rich legacy: a kind and gentle man—always on an even keel and never one to get riled; a good listener and a great conversationalist; a thinker with a broad depth of knowledge and recall of events that was renowned among his family members and friends.
Tom was also a “man’s man.” His understanding of the workings of machinery, engines and the use of tools was extensive. Tom’s physical stature was rock-solid and his deep voice made for easy listening. Tom also had about him a wit and sense of humor that was passed along directly from his father, Wayne Monthei.
Farmee, as he was affectionately known by his many, many friends, was born to Patsy and Wayne Monthei on July 6, 1950. He grew up on the family farm west of Jefferson where he enjoyed working alongside his Grandpa Monthei and all the men on the farm.
Tom helped build and drive the family race car — the famed number 32 Allis-Chalmers-orange coupe. Tom and his close-knit group of high school friends made many memories and remain very close. He drove motorcycles when he was younger and took up the sport again in later years, traveling with Deb on their Harley Davidson all over the Midwest.
After graduating from Jefferson High School in 1968, Tom farmed with the Monthei Brothers for several years before starting his own farming operation in 1981. He was later employed at Firestone Tire in Des Moines for 18 years as a tool and die maker, until his retirement in 2015.
Tom married Deb Kinney in 1979, and for the next 37 years they would be best friends. Together they raised four children – Jason, Heath, Alex, and Libby – who brought them great pride. Gardening on their farm was a pasttime Tom and Deb enjoyed together. They canned or froze their produce, which supplied them and their children until the next season. He also provided many family members with gigantic pumpkins each Halloween.
Tom was passionate about wood-working and had a very impressive wood shop where he produced finely crafted pieces. Family members who were newly graduated from high school would receive a wooden pen made by Tom.
His most-cherished moments the past several years were spending time with his grandchildren, who called him “Papa.” Every Christmas Tom made wooden toys for each one of his grandchildren, and wooden gifts for all the adults.
Tom is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 37 years Deb; sons Jason (Sasha), Heath (Katie) and Alex (Ashley), daughter Elizabeth (Jeff) Lesperance, and grandchildren Ivy, Abigail, Zakk, Madi, Dakota, Jaxson, Makayla and Cora; mother Patsy; mother-in-law Ethel Kinney; brothers John (Robin) and Mike, sisters Pam (Ron) Chesler, Muriel Lehman, Cindy Schwager, Laurie (Jim) Wyckoff and Angie (John) Wiggins and many nieces, nephews nd cousins.
Tom was preceded in death by his father Wayne; infant sister Linda; nephew Andy Lehman; father-in-law Charlie Kinney; and brothers-in-law Dan Lehman and Tom Schwager.
The family is assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.
