George Leo Monsen, II was born to George Lars and Gunda Johnson Monsen on May 16, 1924, on the family homestead in Veblen, SD.

The youngest of eight children George received his education in Veblen, and was confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He served in the Army Air Corp in the South Pacific and was a member of the 785th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion and was a Prisoner of War in the Philippines. George sent every check he received while serving in the war to his mother and brother to support the family farm. When he returned home, he moved to Custer, SD, to work for his brother, Magner, at Mag's Body Shop. George enjoyed rebuilding autos, tricycles, bicycles, toys, working on houses and playing neighborhood baseball.

In 1947, George met the love of his life, Doris Whitehead, and they were married in 1948. Together, they had eight children. George and Doris were married 63 years before Doris died in October 2011.

George was an extremely compassionate husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and employer. He had a strong work ethic for being fair and loving to his family and employees. George and Doris owned and operated the Coneee Corral Drive-Inn Restaurant for 17 years. During this time, George also served as a councilman on the Custer City Council.

George moved to the South Dakota State Veteran's Home in Hot Springs, SD, in 2009 where he made more special friends and loved everyone. He joined his wife in heaven March 18, 2013, at the South Dakota State Veteran's Home surrounded by his family.

George was preceded in death by his loving wife, Doris; parents, George and Gunda; infant son, George III; his five brothers; two sisters and three grandchildren.

George is survived by seven daughters, Kathy (Dean) Brumley of Wichita Falls, TX; Mary (Roy) Hendrickson of Custer; Georgene (Darrel) Teller of Rapid City, SD; Judi (Paul) Cole of Jackson, MS; Dr. Joen (Tim) Painter of Yuma, AZ; Jane Monsen of Yuma, AZ; and Laurie (Terry) Morgan of Pringle, SD; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law.

Services will be held at the South Dakota State Home Auditorium at 9:00 a.m., Friday, March 22, 2013 with Chaplain Loyd Nielson officiating. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

At his request, in lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in George's name for the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veteran's Home, 2500 Minnekahta Ave., Hot Springs, SD 57747. Cards may be sent c/o Laurie Morgan, PO Box 22, Pringle, SD 57773.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.