Colleen MONTAG

September 22, 1944–December 11, 2017 Born in Minneapolis and raised in New Richmond, WI, Colleen was the elder daughter of Edward and Lorraine (White) Merkt. Colleen was privileged to have her first five years of education in the red-brick Boardman School, and graduated from New Richmond (WI) High School in the Class of 1962. She went on to study at Marquette University in Milwaukee and was affiliated with Delta Sigma Gamma. She transferred to the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire where she was affiliated with Sigma Sigma Sigma, and graduated with a BS Degree in Elementary Education. Following graduation, Colleen taught at six schools in five states—Wisconsin, Idaho, Missouri, Illinois and Minnesota. She married Thomas C. Montag in the summer of 1968. Her first son, Michael, was born, in November 1972. In 1973, the family bought their Minnetonka home which Colleen lived in for 44 years. Her second son, Matthew, was born in June 1978. Colleen spent their school years volunteering for church and school. It was during this time she began her nearly 40 years of volunteer work with Minnesota Children's Winnie-the-Pooh chapter. Colleen and Tom divorced in 2005. Some of Colleen's favorite activities were reading, gardening, adult literacy, the family lake home in Hayward, WI, little free libraries, travel, and, especially, enjoying family and friends. Both of Colleen's parents preceded her in death. Colleen is survived by her son, Michael and his wife, Jeannie, and Colleen's beloved granddaughter, Margaret of Albany, CA; her son, Matthew of Spokane, WA; her sister, Marilyn Merkt Felber and husband, Paul of Alpine, CA; and many wonderful cousins and friends who loved and will never forget her. In lieu of flowers, Colleen suggested memorials in her honor be directed to Children's Minnesota. Gifts can be made online at childrensMN.org/give, over the phone at 952-992-5500, or through the mail addressed to Children's Minnesota Foundation, 5901 Lincoln Drive, Mail Stop CBC-3-FOUN, Edina, MN 55436. A Friends & Family gathering to honor Colleen's life will be announced at a later date. We, Colleen's family, wish to express our deep thanks to the splendid caregivers at the Frauenshuh Cancer Center in St. Louis Park, and at the Folkestone and Optage Hospice, Wayzata, for their loving care in the final months of Colleen's life. David Lee Funeral Home Wayzata 952-473-5577 www.davidleefuneralhome.com