Hansel Morris Monson

GEDCOM Note

UPDATE: 1995-09-30 Information is from Diane Hayden, Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

They were married in August or September of 1966.

Have obit, and funeral service card from Gresham, OR. Obit says "Hansel Morris Monson, 48, Boring, was killed about 4:15 a.m. Saturday while crossing US 26 near Kelso Road, two miles west of Sandy, Clackamas County Sheriff's deputies reported.

Twins, Hansel Morris & Helen Marie, were born April 17, 1923 were on the homestead farm 6 mi south of Charbonneau. It was not an easy place for Doc Rogers to get to and he arrived after they were born. Harvey says Hansel loved to sing. He was tenor with a great voice and would sing all the time. Aunt Connie was also a good singer, and claims that all the Monsons were good singer. Harvey says, "Except me!"

According to Harvey, Hansel didn't marry until late in life in spite of the fact that he had the "gift of gab" according to Harvey. One time he wrote to Harvey & Eileen about his latest girlfriend saying "I found a girl, she has red hair and she's Irish. Have I gone far enough!" when Hansel did marry at age 43 it was to a widow, Barbara Moore Castro who was of Irish descent but had dark hair. They were married in Aug. or Sept of 1966 (same year as me!!!) They had one child, Lynette, born in 1968 (whom I've never met). The Monson family has lost touch with Barbara and Hansel's dtr Lynette. (because, according to some, Barbara is unfriendly & has a defensive personality.) Barbara also had 3 boys (Ricky) and 1 girl from her previous marriage to a Mr. Castro who was of Mexican descent. In 1970 or 71 Hansel found a job in Bremerton, WA working as________. He was tired of the tavern business and really loved his new job. But after working there about four months, he moved back to Boring because he couldn't talk Barbara into moving. Harvey feels he might still be alive today if he stayed in Bremerton. Hansel died in a pedestrian/car accident on 7-24-71. Obit says "Hansel Morris Monson, 48, Boring, was killed about 4:15 a.m. Saturday while crossing US 26 near Kelso Road, two miles west of Sandy, Clackamas County Sheriff's deputies reported." Harvey says they were at a wedding that evening & Barbara drove home early and Hansel followed on foot much later. It was a very foggy night and the 22-yr-old driver never saw Hansel. The driver wasn't cited.

Harvey says Hansel had a way with people which made him an excellent bartender. He did a lot of bartending and owned a bar at the time of his death. He frequently was able to talk people out of doing something foolish. He was friendly but also had a no-nonsense way about him that let people know the rules up front without offending them. (Would have made a heck of a teacher Harvey thinks.) One example Harvey gives is when Hansel & Johnny worked for Orin Forthun, Orin commonly expected extra hours from his workers. Harvey says John would have accepted this, but Hansel would not put up with that nonsense and each day when quitting time came Hansel & Johnny went home.

John & Carol Monson confirm the above and say that Hansel was well-liked and much respected in his community. (They also say Hansel loved to argue just for the sake of arguing) Bill & Anita say that they have never seen as many people and flowers as at Hansel's funeral. Hansel lived on the West Coast for most of his adult life; first in San Diego where he worked in the shipyards. In the early 60's the shipyards closed, and Hansel (sold his house to Helen?)came home to ND for a summer. But he liked the West Coast and come Fall he moved to Portland where he first worked at a S & H Green Stamps warehouse and then later was the owner/bartender of the Boring Tavern in Boring, Oregon. Barbara also worked at the bar. After Hansels death the bar was sold. Harvey says Hansel was also an excellent plumber.