Monte grew up on “The Sanke Thompson Place,” a farm, and then in Laurel. While working for his favorite uncle on his grandfather’s farm, he decided to join the Marine Corps.

He met and was married to his wife, also a Marine, for over 44 years. They had nine children, whom they raised together with love and lots of Marine Corps Spirit, and yes, they had field days and counted off getting in and out of the Ford van growing up.

They took “for better or worse, in sickness and in health” seriously. When Mom developed early onset dementia, Dad never left her side. Mom died 21 years ago in their home.

Dad was fortunate to find a second love, Gana Martin, and they lived happily together, first in Maine and then in Arizona. They were together for over 20 years. However, health concerns caused them both to move closer to their respective children. They talked every night by FaceTime, including for the last time, the evening before he passed.

Monte returned to Maine this past summer, where we celebrated his 89th birthday. He saw all his children in October, and he celebrated the 250th Marine Corps Birthday in November.

Saturday morning, Dec. 6, 2025, under a beautiful full moon, Dad received his orders to return to Our Heavenly Father. He accepted his final assignment and was greeted by Mom, his parents, all his brothers, his vast family, his in-laws, Mom’s older brother, as well as the many great Marines with whom he served.

This man was his family’s hero. He loved his God, his extensive family and his country. He said his farewells before his departure and is now at peace.

He will be greatly missed by all nine of his children and their spouses/partners, his 21 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; Gana, her children and their families; his sister and brother-in-law, his other brother-in-law who is married to Mom’s best friend and all of his beloved cousins. There are so many of us still here to share stories of him and our times together.