Michael Monger, 50, Minot, died, Wednesday, August 15, 2007, in a Rochester, MN hospital.

Mike was born December 8, 1956, to Donald and Patricia (Fay) Monger, in Bottineau, ND. He was baptized at First Lutheran Church, Minot, where he also went to Sunday school. In 1961, the family moved to Rugby, where he completed his elementary school years. He was confirmed at First Lutheran Church, Rugby. He graduated from Rugby High School in 1975, and it was during his senior year he met his future wife.

Mike married Deb Grassel on May 26, 1978, in Rugby. Mike and Deb were blessed with three daughters, Sarah, Meghan, and Michaela. Mike often spoke of how Deb and his girls were his most treasured possessions. Mike attended UND, NDSU, and Northwest Bible College. He completed his Bachelor of Religious Arts in Biblical Studies from Jacksonville Theological Seminary in 1996.

Mike began his ministry as an associate pastor at West Minot Church of God, later becoming the pastor of Bible Restoration Fellowship from 1993-2000. In 2000, the family moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma, where he ministered with International Christian Leadership Connections. He traveled in over twenty countries, spanning five continents, spreading the gospel for Jesus Christ. The family moved back to Minot in 2001. His traveling was diminished, but his voice was not quieted in 2002, when he began having health problems. Mike was instrumental in bringing a Liposorption treatment to Bismarck, and now many others can have a longer life because of his pioneering efforts. During his treatments, Mike grew to love the staff that was a large part of his life for the past three years. Mike was diagnosed with Carcinoid Syndrome this past July. He spent the remaining days of his life fighting the disease. He was surrounded by his loving family and close friends when he entered Jesus' arms.

Mike was a very talented man. He was an accomplished musician, played guitar, piano, and composed and sang songs. He was gifted with operating the remote control, with his faithful dog Samson by his side. Mike exchanged his sick body for wholeness, and his slippers for dancing shoes on August 15, 2007. He always said that this was not his home, but heaven was. He touched many lives, brought Jesus to many people, and heard the Father say "come home my good and faithful servant."

Surviving family includes : Wife: Deb; Daughters: Meghan (Zack) Stewart, Minot, Michaela Monger, Minot; faithful dog: Samson; Parents: Don and Pat Monger, Rugby; Sisters: Donita VanderVorst, Bismarck, Maria (Al) King, Dickinson, Mona (Neil) Heustis, Colorado; Brother: Monte (Sandy) Monger, Burlington; Brothers-in-law: Craig, John, and Keith Grassel; and numerous family members and friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his daughter: Sarah Lynn; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Jim and Didi Grassel.

Funeral: Monday, August 20, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., in First Assembly of God, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Sunday, August 19, 2007, from noon until 5:00 p.m., in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred.