Thief River Falls – Michael “Mike” Mongoven, 88, of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls.
Michael Jay Mongoven was born July 10, 1937, at Hankinson, ND, the son of Joseph William and Harriet Josephine (Melquist) Mongoven. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Hankinson, ND. He grew up and attended St. Francis Academy, Hankinson, ND, and graduated in 1955.
He then entered the United States Army, where he was a paratrooper on the Pathfinder team in the 82nd Airborne Division. Following his Honorable Discharge, Mike attended Moorhead State University, Moorhead, graduating with a B.S. Degree in Education.
On February 20, 1960, Mike was united in marriage to Delphine Rose Herman at Webster, SD. To this union, two sons, Dana and Jeffery, were born.
Mike taught at Harvey, ND and Arthur, ND. He then became a Scout Executive with the Boy Scouts of America, where he served an area from Baudette, west to North Dakota and south to Nielsville, MN. In 1963, he accepted a position with the City of Thief River Falls as Park and Recreation Director, where he served for 26 years.
Mike was on the Board of Directors with the Ice-Skating Institute of America. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, Photoshop, collecting coins, golfing and holding a membership with the Thief River Golf Club, and time spent with good friends, Myles and Susan Olson. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls.
Mike is survived by sons, Dana, Thief River Falls, and Jeff, Pequot Lakes; and brother-in-law, Charles “Chuck” Pelzl, Omaha, NE; along with many nieces and nephews.
Mike is preceded in death by his wife, Delphine in 2022; parents; sister, Marlys Heyer; brother, Patrick Mongoven; brother, Steven (infant); and sisters-in-law, Carol Mongoven, Roseanne Anstett, Carol (Galen) Bushee, Janet Pelzl; and brother-in-law, Harold “Hopi” (Carol) Pelzl.
A gathering time for family and friends will be held from 5–7 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls.
Burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Fair Meadow Nursing Home in Fertile, Karlstad Senior Living in Karlstad, and Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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