Sgt. William John Monte, age 54, met his creator on December 10, 2016 at his residence in Fort Collins, CO.

Johnny was born in Durango, CO on December 29, 1962 to Effie Red Monte and William J. Monte.

He was a member of the Southern Ute Tribe. He grew up in Ignacio, CO and graduated from Ignacio High School.

Johnny served in the U.S. Army and was a Veteran of Operation Desert Storm. During his service, he was stationed in Germany, Colorado, Iraq & Texas. It is said he traveled the world twice!

He was a Shop Foreman for the Alpha Battery, 6th Battalion 52nd Air Defense Artillery. He was the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal for exceptionally meritorious service during the period of August 3, 1989 through November 26, 1990.

Sgt. Monte’s exemplary performance as a Shop Foreman significantly contributed to his units outstanding performance conventional maintenance record and exceptional mobility capability. Sgt. Monte was largely responsible for insuring the highest operational readiness record through 10 consecutive field exercises to include three army training and evaluation program exercises and 2 NATO tactical evaluations.

Sgt. Monte’s outstanding technical expertise and leadership ability reflected positively upon himself, his unit and the United States Army. Johnny was a cheerful and fun person all of his life. He enjoyed the outdoors and working on his Ford Bronco. Johnny will be remembered by his warm laugh and honest approach to life.

Johnny is survived by fiancé Susan Tucker; children Marquita, Brendon, Marshall, Harley, & Emily; grandson Izaiah; Marquita’s Mother Sandy; mother of Brendon, Marshall, Harley, & Emily Sara Miller Monte; brothers Victor, Drake, & Steven;sisters Victoria Gill & Sherry Salazar; Susan Tucker’s children Ryan, Amber, Dustin & Daniel Tucker and Crystal Barrett. John was predeceased by his father John Monte and brother Norton.

A Recitation of the Rosary was held at the Southern Ute Memorial Chapel on Friday, December 16, 2016 followed by a wake. A Funeral Service was held at the Southern Ute Memorial Chapel on Saturday, December 17, 2016 followed by interment at Ouray Memorial Cemetery.