Dr. James "Jim" Mona

1954 - 2026

James "Jim" L. Mona, age 71, a faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, was called home to the presence of his Savior on Saturday, February 7, 2026, surrounded by loved ones peacefully at his home in Hutchinson, MN. Jim lived a life marked by devotion to God, family, country, and the communities he served as a trusted physician.

Inspired by his uncle, Dr. Dale Dodson, Jim graduated from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery and practiced as a family physician, emergency room physician, and urgent care physician for the next 40 years.

He was a longstanding member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Osteopathic Association, the Minnesota Osteopathic Medical Society (president 2000-2002), and the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice (president 2010). Jim was known for his warmth and caring expertise with patients, and for generously fielding medical questions day and night from a huge network of friends and extended family.

Spending time with loved ones, including his beloved German Shepherd, Kimber, was his greatest joy in life. No family member of Jim's ever left without a hug and an "I love you." Jim was deeply sentimental, with a passion for recording every moment on film-he would be thrilled that his funeral was live-streamed.

A sharp-witted storyteller with a booming laugh, Jim could (and did) start a conversation with literally anyone. He and his wife Karen made many deep friendships as they traveled for Board of Medical Examiners conferences, went RV camping, took cruises, and visited their children living in locations from Switzerland to Japan. Members of the Wild Prairie H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) Chapter, Jim and Karen took annual road trips on their Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide to various states including the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Jim enjoyed music, playing his silver Doc Severinsen trumpet in the University of Minnesota marching band and playing the piano throughout his life. He was also a video game enthusiast, from the early days of Pong right up to donning virtual reality headsets with his grandchildren. Jim was a Minnesota sports fan and an airshow lover who liked snowmobiling and flying in his 4-seat Piper Archer plane. He was also an avid collector of books, movies, and even a 1986 Pontiac Fiero GT that is in his garage to this day.

He was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church and enjoyed meeting with his online Bible Study Fellowship group. Regularly, he talked about the importance of faith so we can reunite with our loved ones when the Lord calls us home.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Roald and Patricia Mona, and brothers Jerold Mona and John Mona.

He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Karen Mona; children, Jennifer (Phillip) Evans and Daniel Mona and their mother, Kathleen Albrecht; stepchildren, Tracy (Brian) Scherping, Mitchell (Sonia) Koval, and Christopher (Ping) Koval; siblings, Laurie Mona and Joel Mona; and many cherished nieces and nephews. He will be missed by the 14 grandchildren who adored him: Taryn, Arcadia, Jace, Meritt, Hollis, and Callum Evans; Simon, Sylas, and Keaton Scherping; Finley and Scarlett Koval; and Rebekah, Micah, and Prisca Koval.

Arrangements by the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online Obituaries and Guest Book available at www.hantge.com.