Colonel Robert Monfore, 90, of Wagner

Robert Paul Monfore, 90, of Wagner, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at home, on December 18, 2018. He leaves his wife of 63 years, Mary Jo (Carmody) Monfore; his son, Michael Monfore; his daughter Mary (Monfore) Hurd; his younger sister, Diana (Monfore) Neil; his younger brother Dr. James Monfore; his younger brother Dr. Thomas Monfore; four grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howland Monfore and Gertrude (Kozitsky) Monfore, and his older brother Peter Monfore. Robert was born on October 8, 1928 at home near Springfield, South Dakota. Robert grew up in the Tyndall and Springfield areas. He was active in sports, and among his many accomplishments he started the track program at Springfield High School. Growing up during the Great Depression, Robert learned the value of hard work, honesty, and friendship. Throughout his life he was known as a straight-shooting hard worker, who was generous to others.
Robert enlisted in the Army on September 26, 1946, 12 days before his 18th birthday. After attending Officers Candidate School and Engineering Basics training he attained the rank of Lieutenant. His first assignments were in Japan, Korea, and then North Carolina. In 1953 he returned to Korea where he served through the end of the conflict, staying until 1954 as an advisor to the South Korean Army. Later that year he returned to civilian life. In November 1956, Robert was appointed Commander of B Company of the 137th Engineer Battalion, a newly formed National Guard Company that he was instrumental in organizing. In 1957 Robert was named commander of the National Guard's Headquarters Battalion at Wagner, South Dakota. During this time, he purchased a farm along the Missouri River south of Dante, in Charles Mix County, South Dakota. Using his engineering skills and a bulldozer, he constructed a large drainage canal, cleared trees, and reclaimed several hundred acres of rich farmland from the river.
On February 19, 1955 he married the love of his life, Mary Jo Carmody. Over the next several years they had two children, farmed, and Robert graduated from Southern State College with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts. In 1961, Robert rejoined the Army. He enjoyed a very successful career, eventually attaining the rank of full Colonel. Robert acquired a lasting reputation as an inspiring leader, who led by example. He and his family were stationed in Rangoon, Burma; Seoul, Korea; Heidelberg, Germany; and several bases in the United States.
In 1970 – 71, Robert completed a distinguished tour of duty in Vietnam, leading the combat engineers of the 62nd Land Clearing Battalion. In late 1973, he retired from the Army, having served 27 years. During his service he was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, Army OCC (Japan) Medal, Parachute Badge, Glider Badge, Army OCC (Korea) Medal, Senior Parachute Badge, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, ROK PUC, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, UN Service Medal, AFEM, JSCM, ARCOM, LEGION OF Merit, and RVN honor Medal. After leaving the Army, he and his family returned to his farm in South Dakota, where he spent the rest of his life.
Robert was buried on Dec. 19, 2018, in South Rouse Episcopal Cemetery, on the highest hill of his beloved family farm. A memorial service was held there on May 26, 2019. Officiant was Robert's pastor, Fr. Joe Forcelle, of Saint Vincent Catholic Church, Springfield, SD.