Monver Kenneth "Monty" Banna, 81, Minot, died Friday, June 22, 2012, in a Minot hospital.
Monver was born Oct. 13, 1930, in Karnak, to Joseph and Emma (Stephenson) Banna. He was reared in that area until his mother died. He moved to Minot and lived with his aunt and uncle, Helen and Thorvald Greslivold. He attended school in Minot and Surrey and graduated from Surrey High School. Monte served in the Marine Corps from Jan. 17, 1952, until Dec. 24, 1953. Following his honorable discharge he enrolled in hotel management school and eventually managed hotels in Kentucky and Oklahoma.
Monty married Lois Moe on Jan. 16, 1956, at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Minot. They made their home in Minot where he was employed as a truck driver with Greslivold Trucking, later becoming self-employed as Banna Trucking.
Monty was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot, Knights of Columbus, Eagles Aerie and Minot American Legion Post #26. He especially enjoyed tinkering, playing solitaire on the computer and an occasional trip to the casino. Monty also enjoyed watching the Vikings and Twins. One of his greatest joys was playing Wii bowling with his grandchildren.
Monty's loving family includes his wife of 56 years, Lois; children, James (Mary) Banna, of Webster, N.Y., Vicki Ahmann and Jerry Banna, both of Minot; stepchildren, Janice (John) Motter, of Ashland, Ohio, and Beverly (Allen) Haykel, of Minot; grandchildren, Chase and Allison Banna, Samantha, Zachary and Alex Ahmann, Jerry and David Banna and Mark and Brian Motter; siblings, Miriam Valentine, of Everett, Wash., Ruth Moe, of Minot, Richard (Ione) Banna, of Kalispell, Mont., and Russell Banna, of Burlington; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Monty was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lila Roggenbuck; brothers, Monver and an infant brother.
Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, June 27, at 10:30 a.m. in St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot.
Graveside Service: Wednesday, at 12:30 p.m., in Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Today, Tuesday, from 2 to 6 p.m., in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., in Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel, Minot.
Those wishing to sign the online memorial register or share memories are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).
