Monte Lee West, age 96, of Fremont died Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Nye Square in Fremont.

Monte was born January 8, 1926 in Herman, Nebraska to Elmond and Lela 'Justice' West. He graduated from Herman High School in 1943.

Monte entered the Army in April of 1944. He did his basic training at Camp Lee, Virginia. His advanced training was completed at Ft. Lewis, in Tacoma, Washington.

He married Norma Kruse in 1944 in Tacoma. Monte shipped overseas in April of 1945. He served in Luzon, Philippines where he was wounded. Monte was discharged from active duty in April of 1946 and served three more years in the Army Reserve.

He received his pilot license and became a private pilot in 1946, and served in the Civil Air Patrol in 1946 and 1947.

Monte and his partner Ralph Kohler started the K & W Decoy Company in Tekamah, Nebraska. He also worked as a professional guide for Duck and Goose hunting for over 60 years. He ran a fly in fishing camp in Ontario, Canada from 1972 to 1984. Monte retired in 1984 the year that Norma passed away.

Survivors: Daughters - Barbara Ann Schacht of Blair, Pamela Sue West of Fremont, Cynthia Kay Hosch of Fremont; Grandchildren - Jamie (Dale) Smith of Ft. Calhoun, John (Mary) Swanson of Omaha, Shane (Sara DenBeste) of Gretna,Jason Schacht of Omaha,Justin Hosch of Omaha, Becky (James) Spencer of Fremont;15 great-grandchildren;5 great-great-grandchildren.

Monte was preceded in death by his parents and wife Norma.

There is no viewing but the family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 from 6pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. Memorials are suggested to FurEver Homes in Fremont.

Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont in charge of arrangements.

~~~Obituary courtesy of Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file at the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

FindaGrave #242067478