Obituaries

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) John J. Monville, age 90, of St. Ignace, Michigan, passed away on October 13, 2026, at Straits Area Senior Living Center. John was born on April 22, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, to John and Wanda (Kinjorski) Monville.

John was commissioned into the United States Army in 1958 and served for twenty years, retiring in 1978 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His career spanned some of the most consequential chapters in modern military history.

MULTIPLE STATESIDE ASSIGNMENTS INCLUDING:
• Ft. Benning, GA: Army Ranger School Instructor
• Ft. Bragg, NC: Deputy Commanding Officer – Special Warfare Center
• Central Michigan University: Professor of Military Science

OVERSEAS ASSIGNMENTS:
• Munich Germany: Company Commander
• Seoul Korea: Company Commander
• Viet Nam: Executive Officer, 2nd BN 7th Air Cav Division
• Thailand: Adviser to Commanding General

During his career he completed academic studies to earn Master’s Degrees in Sociology and Business Administration.

John’s extensive list of decorations includes the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Gallantry Cross (South Vietnam), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Air Achievement Medal, and Reserve Good Conduct Medal.

After retiring from the Military, John served as VP of Interaction Management for Development Dimension International (DDI) in Pittsburgh, PA., Director of Training and Development for Duquesne Light in Pittsburgh followed by Director of Training and Development for Gulf Oil.

John and his wife, Linda, retired permanently to St. Ignace, Michigan in 1998. They were instrumental in establishing the new St. Ignace Public Library, served on the Marina Board helping to guide the upgrade to the St. Ignace Marina.

John was known for his sense of humor, his gift of storytelling, and his love of family and community.

John is survived by his children, J. Mike (Ann) Monville, Jacqueline (Naoto) Kato, and Mary Kathleen (Eric) Monville; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

John was proceeded in death by his wife, Linda; children, Peter, Paul, and Patricia; parents, John and Wanda.

A Memorial Mass with full military honors will be held on November 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 120 Church St, St Ignace, MI 49781, followed by a reception. Interment will follow at the St. Ignatius Loyal Catholic Church Cemetery.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.