Milo Monroe

Milo George Monroe of Warren, MN, passed away peacefully with his loving wife, Lois, by his side, on Saturday, December 17th at the age of 79.

Milo was born on December 5th, 1943 at Warren Hospital, the son of George and Evaleth (Thun) Monroe.

Milo grew up on the family farm in rural Radium along with his two sisters Kay and Jill. Milo attended country school in Radium through 8th grade and graduated from Warren High School in 1961. Though his passion was horses, Milo lettered in football, wrestling, baseball and track at Warren High. The day after graduation, Milo left for Winnipeg, Manitoba – Assiniboia Downs and began his career training thoroughbred race horses. Milo remains the youngest trainer (age 17) to receive his training license in Manitoba.

On January 21st of 1967, Milo was united in marriage to Lois Elaine Rokke. Milo and Lois would eventually (1975) make their home across the Snake River to Monroe Farms where Milo grew up raising their two boys Todd Wade and Trevor Jason.

From 1961 to 1974, Milo would train thoroughbreds in partnership with his father George (Monroe’s Stables). Milo always said that he never moved far away from where he grew up. Yet, Milo trained in (2) Provinces (Manitoba & Ontario), and (7) US States (Illinois, Nebraska, South Dakota, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Michigan). Milo trained winning horses in (4) decades and was a (3) Time Stakes winning trainer. Milo also bred/trained a thoroughbred on the family farm in Radium that would go on to win an Olympic Silver Medal in equestrian at the 1976 Olympics.

In the summer of 1974 Milo put training aside and began his 2nd career in farming. Milo and his father farmed until Milo’s retirement in 1996. Milo enjoyed hunting on horseback in Montana with friends. He also enjoyed hunting Moose in Saskatchewan and fishing up at Lake of the Woods. Milo was an avid bowler at Cactus Lanes in Warren bowling in Men’s League and Monday Couples League. Milo also got back in the saddle, riding – Team Penning. Milo won (2) State Team Penning titles in 1994 and 1995. Milo was also very involved with promoting and scheduling Team Penning events in the area. Friendships and Family were very important to Milo and through all of these activities, he was able to surround himself with wonderful friends.

Milo spent many Winter months racing Arctic Cat snowmobiles. Milo could race snowmobiles and he could fix them having worked for years at Arctic Cat as a welder. Most notably, Milo raced in (5) International 500 races from St. Paul to Winnipeg in the early 1970’s. Milo was very proud of his two sons Todd and Trevor. Milo took great pride in attending their sporting events, only missing one game while hunting in Montana. Milo was all about fun! In the early 1980’s, Milo obtained his small plane pilot’s license. Milo enjoyed flying his Mooney airplane to visit friends and family throughout the State. He loved his Harley Davidson motorcycle and was smart enough to sell it before his boys could drive. And most recently, Milo enjoyed spending summers with Lois at their lake cabin in Waskish. Milo and Lois also spent 10 Winters in Mesa, Arizona visiting friends and family.

Milo was stricken with Parkinson’s Disease 14 years ago yet throughout found ways to be active and enjoy his hobbies. Milo made many of mirrors framed with cowboy boots, chandeliers and lamps out of deer antlers, cowboy boot bird houses, amongst many other creative things. Milo, Lois and their sons Todd and Trevor built Monroe’s Dream – their hunting log cabin that Milo said he just always wanted to build. Milo could fix anything and was blessed with great hands.

Milo was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Faith. He was involved in his church and community, holding several Comstock Township offices, as well as offices in his church. Milo served on the Warren Hospital Board. Milo and Lois were awarded outstanding agriculturists at NDSU Harvest Bowl in 1995. Milo was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church of Warren the past 13 years.

Milo is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lois; sons, Todd Monroe and Trevor (Suzy) Monroe; grandchildren, Abigail Monroe, Ethan Monroe, Hailey Monroe & Brittney Monroe; sisters, Kay (David) Hanson and Jill (Myron) Halvorson and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Eva Monroe.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 AM on Thursday, December 22, 2022 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Warren, MN.

VISITATION: One hour before services at the church.

INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery, Warren, MN.

To watch a video of Milo's funeral service, please click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMgUfaOof80

To watch a tribute video of Milo Monroe, please click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJz6zrVld1c