November 30, 1939 – July 7, 2025
Thomas Monstad was born November 30, 1939 in Sydney, MT to Arthur and Beatrice Monstad. Tom (aka Papa Tom) passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife, kids and family on July 7, 2025, after bravely battling Alzheimer’s Dementia disease for many years.
In 1946, Tom moved with his parents to Kent, WA, where they bought a dairy farm on East Hill. Tom attended school in the Kent School District until his graduation from Kent Meridian High School in 1958. After graduation, Tom worked, and excelled, in the field of Auto Body Paint and Repair, which lead him to teach classes at the Perry Institute in Yakima, WA for several years. He later worked in the Kent area at local body shops until he was asked to teach classes at the Renton Technical College (RTC), where he was an educator and mentor for more than twenty-years. Tom retired from his career in 2004.
During the first 13 years of retirement, Tom, and his wife Judy, became snowbirds, spending their summers in the WA area and their winters in Yuma, AZ. Tom and Judy had many fun adventures together during their 35-years of marriage. In 2017, Tom and Judy settled down with a new home in Yuma, AZ. They returned to WA in 2023 to be closer to family.
During his life, Tom enjoyed cycling, completing the STP several times and many charity rides over the years. He loved backpacking in the mountains with his kids and grandkids. Tom was a beloved teacher and mentor to his students, often going above and beyond to support them and their careers.
Tom is survived by his wife Judy, his sons Stephen (wife Debbie) and Mark both of Enumclaw. Stepdaughters Lorrie Bourbonnie (Todd), Lisa Mumm both from Auburn and Leanne Mumm Pardo (John) from Seattle, ten grandchildren, two great grandchildren, three sisters and two brothers. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, son, Paul and sister, Doris.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Sunday August 17, 2025, from 1:00-3:00 at 1102 11th Street NE, Auburn WA 98002. Donations in lieu of flowers to your local Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice program.
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