Monte A. Barnes

Monte Barnes, 77, Surrey, passed away of natural causes Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at his residence.
Monte Allan Barnes was born August 31, 1948, the son of Engus and Lillian (Olson) Barnes, in Stanley, ND. He lived in Van Hook until his family was displaced by the Garrison Diversion project, and his home was moved to New Town. He was raised and educated in New Town, ND, where he graduated with the class of 1966. He furthered his education by attending Minot State Business College. In addition to school, he began working for Sears.
On May 27, 1969, Monte enlisted into the United States Navy, attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL, and was quickly placed in an intense forty-seven-week course at the Defense Language Institute in Washington D.C. becoming fluent in the Russian language. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam Conflict and Cold War, where he specialized as a Russian linguist assisting the National Security Agency in translating Russian radio communications while stationed aboard multiple vessels including the USS America (CVA-66) and the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) often in remote potentially war prone areas. He was honorably discharged February 2, 1973.
Monte was united in marriage to Karen Zabolotny on June 30, 1973. They made their home in Minot, where they raised their two sons, Kristopher and Michael. Before and after his service with the Navy, Monte worked for Sears in multiple departments. He completed his 30+ years career with Sears as the Automotive Department manager. After retiring from Sears, he was employed by Minot Public Schools and at the local Harley Davidson dealership. Monte and Karen divorced in 2002 but remained friends and continued to share their love for their two children and their grandchildren.
Monte enjoyed many outdoor pursuits including water skiing as a young boy, skiing, and riding and racing motocross. One of Monte's greatest thrills was coaching his two sons the art and skill of riding and racing motorcycles, starting at the ages of 5 and 7. Monte and his family would travel throughout the upper Midwest and Canada racing motocross on most weekends. He was a founding member of the North Dakota Motocross Association, served on the NDMA board, and continued his enthusiasm for motocross throughout his life.
Monte was a lifetime member of the American Legion and was a member of First Lutheran Church, Minot.
His loving family includes: Son, Michael (Zuzana) Barnes and their son Kitt; Kristopher's children: Keegan, Skyler, and Brooke; daughter-in-law: Terri (Nathan) Lillemon; Siblings; Glen (Ellen) Barnes, and their children Hope (Elias) Sabbagha and Beth (Eric) Nystrom and their children; former wife Karen Barnes; and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and son, Kristopher in 2014.
Funeral: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Monday, October 20, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.
The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the First Lutheran website.