September 30, 2015
Denfeld Alumni Association

Denfeld and UMD Hall of Famer Monson dies at 78

Bob Monson, who led Denfeld’s basketball team to back-to-back conference titles his junior and senior seasons, died in his Rosemount home on Sept. 28. He was 78 years old.

From 1952 to ’55, Monson became the all-time scoring leader in Denfeld boys basketball history with 1,129 points. His record lasted for 46 years and without the aid of the three-point shot.

He led the basketball team to conference titles in 1954 and ’55. He was the starting quarterback on the football team his junior and senior year and was All-State in 1954. He also was on the 1954 state runner-up baseball team and participated in track.

He went on to star in basketball at the University of Minnesota Duluth from 1955 to ’59, playing guard there with Denfeld teammate Jon Sampson.

As a junior and senior he co-captained UMD to its first two NAIA National Tournament appearances, a pair of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles and a 42-7 record during the span while twice earning All-MIAC honors. Monson concluded his collegiate playing days as UMD’s all-time leading scorer with 1,372 points in 95 games.

He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration and psychology in 1959, a Bachelor of Science degree in social sciences in 1963 and a Master’s degree in education in 1968 — all from UMD.

Monson was inducted into the Hunter Hall of Fame in 1970 and the UMD Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Fern, and son, Gary, and is survived by another son, David.

At his request, no funeral or memorial services will take place.