"Dear Irene, I am so sorry to learn of Martin'Death. I enjoyed bridge with both of you. May your strength be equal to your need. Lovingly, Phyllis Shores"
In loving memory of
Martin Howard Monical
August 11, 1940 - April 4, 2021
Martin Howard Monical, of Layton, Utah left this earth on Easter Sunday, April 4th, 2021 at the age of 80 to return to his father in heaven after a lifetime of selfless service.
Martin loved life and the people in it. Born August 11, 1940, to Forest and Susan Monical. He grew up in Moline, Kansas as the youngest of 3 brothers. After attending college, Martin left Kansas to serve his country in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Alaska and then Hill AFB, Utah where he met his beloved wife Irene.
His military service also took him and Irene overseas, where they lived in Turkey before eventually moving back to the states. After eight years of military service and an honorable discharge, Martin served his community in the United States Postal Service in both Utah and the Washington D.C. area until his retirement in 2006.
A man of deep religious values and devotion, Martin joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as an adult and was stalwart in his faith and continued religious studies.
He served many callings in the church through the years. Serving a mission with Irene in Fort Lauderdale, Florida was especially meaningful as it allowed him to further serve his church and share his faith with the larger community.
Martin would never pass by the opportunity to help another soul. In the rarest of human traits, he did not let his beliefs or opinion stand in the way of his care and consideration for others. Family and friends will remember his soft-spoken manner, compassionate heart, and kind nature that complimented his quick wit and dry sense of humor.
An avid Bridge player, he obtained the rank of Bronze Life Master and won several Utah Senior Games medals with his wife Irene. He also had a passion for firearms and marksmanship and taught gun safety to many friends and family.
Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Forest and Susan, and his oldest brother Joe.
He leaves behind his devoted wife of 56 years, Irene, his children, James (Kimberly) and Michelle (Chris Sower), and brother Hal (Phylis).
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 12:30 p.m., with a viewing from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Tri-Oaks Stake Center, 2375 E 3225 N, Layton, Utah. Details and remote viewing of the funeral services are available at https://my.gather.app/remember/martin-monical and condolences can be shared at www.gfc-utah.com
Interment will follow at the Preston Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the Combined Veterans of Box Elder County Honor Guard.
Tributes
"Dear Irene, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are sorry to hear of the passing of Martin. He was a good man and we are thankful we had an opportunity to know him for the short time we did. We were blessed to be friends with both of you and had fun with you guys with the few times we traveled together. Martin is now free of pain and suffering and having a great reunion with family and friends on the other side of the Vail along with our Savior, Jesus Christ. The loss of our partner and sweetheart is one of the most difficult experiences we will face in life but we know it will only be a matter of time when you will be with him again. May the Lord bless you during this difficult time in your life and may you feel of His love and peace. Love, Deanne and Ken Walker"
"I was so sad to hear of Martin's passing. I have so many memories of bridge playing and parties together. He was such a sweet man. May the Lord bless you in this sorrow. My prayers are with you at this time. I love you and you will be my thoughts today. Sincerely, Laura Mortensen"
"I was able to have Martin and Irene in my life for most of my years. His children, Ryan (James) and Michelle were great friends of mine growing up. Although, plus and minus a few years in age, we spent a lot of time together swimming in the pool, skiing, watching movies or eating out. I remember running into Martin at a local doughnut shop (Carmack?s) while I was skipping school and to this day I don?t think he told on me. Martin makes me think of his BBQ chicken. A simple but great recipe of boneless/skinless chicken breast bbq?d and coated in sauce at the end. I loved that Chicken and want some now. Martin and I enjoyed talking and he would always share advice and a willingness to help. He was a very nice and amazing man. You are missed and loved. My heart goes out to Irene, Ryan and Michelle. "
"Elder and Sister Monical were a wonderful senior missionary couple. One time my companion and I bumped into them during the day and they insisted on buying us lunch. Another time I was was playing the Blue Danube Waltz at the piano when they started dancing along together - It was SO cute and fun. I will always remember Elder Monical's dry humor and love for his wife and the missionaries with whom he served. B. Stevens"