Sylvia Ramstad Monicken, 86, died on April 7, 2009, in Hudson, Wisconsin, surrounded by her loving family.

Sylvia Monicken was born on August 17, 1922, to Arthur and Thora (Albertson) Ramstad. She was raised in Minot, North Dakota where she graduated from high school in 1940 and Minot State College in 1944.

Sylvia was united in marriage to Jay Monicken in 1946. They had six children and lived in Velva, ND until 1965, when they moved to Minot.

Jay died on April 1, 1995. In the years following her husband's death in 1995, Sylvia lived in Sun City West, Arizona, to be near her sister, Evinda. Most recently, she lived at the Christian Community Home in Hudson, Wisconsin, near her daughter Deborah.

Mrs. Monicken was an active member of the Oak Valley and First Lutheran churches. She enjoyed studying the Bible and composing Christian music. Until illness compromised her energy and mobility, she volunteered her time and resources for many civic, charitable, and cultural organizations in Velva and Minot. She will be deeply missed by all who shared in her life.The Monicken family is especially grateful to the nurses and staff at Christian Community Home in Hudson, WI.

She is survived by her son Timothy Monicken (Sheila), and her daughters Melodee Monicken (Richard Smith); Deborah Monicken (Sue Kattas); Angela Johnson (Steve); Michaella Arneson (George); and Teresa Monicken (Paul Johnson); grandchildren: Jana Roiger (Stephen), Alex Monicken, Jeffrey and Daniel Johnson, Hannah and Thomas Johnson, and David Arneson; sister and brother-in-law, Evinda and Harvey Johnson; nephews Steven and David (Dorothy) Johnson; niece Pam Hibbert (David).

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Funeral service: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in First Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Velva Community Cemetery, Velva.
Visitation: Monday from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to organizations that actively support peace, social justice, compassion, love, and understanding--values that Sylvia Monicken espoused and exemplified for her children and grandchildren.