Monte J. Willardsen

Monte J. Willardsen, 91, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2023, at the St. Mark’s ICU, in Millcreek, Utah, from Cardiac Shock.  He was born October 20, 1931, in Blackfoot, Idaho to J. Armont Willardsen, and Dorothy Beck Willardsen.  He had three younger sisters: Caroleen Willardsen, Becke Tibbitts (Loel), and Lynda Rasmussen (Daryl).

In 1949 Monte graduated from South High School in Salt Lake City.  Following High School, he pursued  degrees in education (B.S. 1958) and psychology (M.S. 1971) at the University of Utah.    

Monte met the love of his life, Sandy Bain, at a choir rehearsal.  They were married in Nevada on September 13, 1954.  Their marriage lasted almost 67 years and produced three children: Christy Kirkwood (Christopher), Debra Willardsen Fenstermaker (Brent), and Monte C. Willardsen.  

Monte revered Sandy until she passed in 2021.   

Monte was a Staff Sargent in the 115th Combat Engineer Troop, United States Army Reserve, during the Korean War Era.  As a noncommissioned officer, his duties and responsibilities were many, but as an avid shooter he took particular pride training troops in basic marksmanship skills.

Following his military service, Monte taught grades 6-9 for 34 years in the Salt Lake School and Jordan School Districts.  His talents in math and music were impressive.  

Monte was one of those rare teachers who enriched his students’ educational experience by exposing them to novelties such as the use of Orff instruments (which he taught himself to play), or immersing them in the wit and wisdom of Shakespeare’s plays. 

He helped form the South High Alumni Choir, later renamed the Salt Lake Symphonic Choir (SLSC) and   directed by his father.  During his time with the SLSC there were many years of annual performances throughout the United States and Canada.

Monte was very talented and had a special gift for music.  At a young age he played serveral instruments.  His principle delight was playing piano at recitals, Fair contests, or just for friends or family.  Some of his biggest guilty musical pleasures included playing concerto piano pieces and any Polonaise written by Frederic Chopin. He could tickle the ivories with the best of them until the end of his days.  In some ways, his legacy is the joy he brought to others through his music.   

Aside from music, Monte had a diverse array of interests.  He worked for the Willardsen Corporation that his father established.  He managed and maintained several rental properties in the Salt Lake area.  It would be an understatement to say he was a Jack of all Trades!  For fun, Monte enjoyed skiing, hunting, golf and handball…the latter he played until he was 87!

His children appreciated Monte as a kind, easy-going, fun-loving, adventurous, and supportive dad.  He was the consummate practical joker and always kept them smiling!  He sought to instill in his children the importance of family and education.  He was the grandmaster of teaching life lessons, and his children were the beneficiaries of that mastery.  His children are thankful for a dad who was always there providing countless “remember when’s…!”, and the ability to stand on their own two feet.  There can be no better parent than that.

Monte is survived by his daughter Debra Willardsen Fenstermaker (Brent); son, Monte C. Willardsen; grandchildren Corey Kirkwood, Lacy Willardsen, and Carly Willardsen; two great-grandsons; and sisters, Caroleen Willardsen and Lynda Rasmussen.  

He was preceded in death by wife Sandy (Bain) Willardsen; daughter, Christy Kirkwood; and sister, Becke Tibbitts.  Monte was cremated under the care of Stark’s Funeral Parlor.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Connie Amezcua for the love and care she gave both Monte and Sandy in their later years.  They would also like to express their gratitude to the compassionate and supportive staff from St. Mark’s ICU and The Wellington Independent Senior Center.  So many were dedicated to Monte’s care; the family is forever grateful!

A Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use the entrance and parking at the north side of the building. He will be laid to rest on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 12 PM at Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 North Sreet East. In lieu of flowers the  family would like you to consider donating to the charity of your choice or donate to your local blood/plasma bank.

It is fitting to note that Debra and her dad had a relationship that was unique and special, and apparent to anyone who saw them together.  As her Papa slipped away, Debra whispered to him “…you’ve been the best Dad…”, and he said to her, ever so simply, ever so quietly … “thank you”.

Though his light may be gone from this world, the night sky has a new star, and it’s playing a piano…