Rapid River, MI
Linzy Leigh Monticello, age 24, of Rapid City, South Dakota, formerly of Rapid River, passed away unexpectedly Thursday April 3, 2014 at her residence in Rapid City.
Linzy was born May 9, 1989 in Hancock, MI the daughter of Gerald T. & Patti A. Monticello and Melanie B. Pharr. She was raised in Rapid River where she attended the Rapid River Public Schools. Linzy excelled in sports and academics and participated in basketball, track and softball. Her memory of playing basketball in the MHSAA State Finals was always a topic that made her have a special glow. She graduated in 2007 as her class Salutatorian.
Linzy continued her education at Finlandia University on an Academic Scholarship where she played 4 years on the Finlandia University Women
Lisa Coombs-Gerou
It is with great sadness I learned of Linzy’s passing. My thoughts and prayer are with those who mourn. May the strength of others help you though this difficult time.
Rest in Peace dear Linzy.
Mary Mark Stuart and Paige Malnor - Rapid River , MI
Patti and family, we are so sad to hear this news. Linzy was and always will be a beautiful soul. Our deepest condolences to you all at this very sad and difficult time. Peace and Prayers.
Kate Ignat
Dear Monticello Family,Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. May God hold you all in the palm of his hand.
Sincerely,
Gail, Kate,
Kelsey, and Keefe Ignat
Theresa Mercieca
Dear Patti & Family,You are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep God in your hearts as he will help you get through this very difficult time. God Bless you all.
Cathy and Greg Tolman Sr. - Escanaba, Mi
Gerry and Patti, please know that our thoughts and sympathies are with you and your family as you go through this painful time. Your Linzy is now resting at peace and her spirit will be with you always to hold your hearts when they seem to be broken beyond repair. Peace on your hearts~~
Lt Joe McDonald - Rapid City, SD, SD
I express my deepest sympathy,I just want you to know she always brought a smile too me.I also worked out with her in the gym and talked a bit.We all ask why,Just remember she was a great person.Alone I am week together we are strong. Lt McDonald
Tera Janke - Dollar Bay, MI
I didn’t know Linzy very well…I am a distant cousin of hers. I just wanted to send my condolences to her family and let them know I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori Savoy - Hancock, MI
Although, I didn’t know Linzy very well, my sons are her cousins and my son Eric was such good friends with her. He loved her dearly; as did many others. My deepest condolences to all of her family and friends. May you find peace within each other and in the many memories she gave you all.
The LeClaire Family - Dollar Bay, MI
I can still remember Nikki & Linzy playing together often when our families lived side by side in a duplex in DB, they must have been 3 or 4, then to be reunited many years later as students at Finlandia and became friends again. Thinking of you all, sending many prayers to Linzy’s family and everyone that loves her.
Sue Turner - Atlantic Mine , MI
I had the pleasure of meeting Linzy who is great friends with my niece Katelyn McLean. What a beautiful person, inside and out. My family was honored to have her a part of our family holiday, and birthday celebrations……With deepest sympathy and heavy hearts…..
Pam Givens - Hancock, MI
Gerry, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and all of your family and I also send my deepest sympathy.
Michelle Palmgren (Hall) - Bark River, MI
As I look at high school pictures it’s extremely difficult to pick just one memory to share, as the majority of my great memories involve Linzy. I’ll always remember the trip we took just Linzy, my brother, and me to her Monticello grandparent’s in Florida. Something that stands out to me was when she would worry her Grandma sick while getting close to an alligator that was hanging around their house. Linzy was just teasing them, but her laugh while doing so I’ll never forget (I can honesty still hear her laugh). My basketball memories will always include Linzy. I was extremely jealous she made it downstate to the finals after I graduated but was so happy for her and drove to see her play from GVSU (I wouldn’t miss it!). Her house was like a second home to me, I’d even go there at times when she wasn’t there because her family was that welcoming. It was always obvious how much Linzy loved her family, especially her brother and sister. Linzy will forever be a special person in my heart who I will never forget. My sympathies go out to her whole family and all of her friends. I’ll continue to pray that the most beautiful girl is now at peace, and that her family can get all the strength in the world through this time of grieving.
Lt.Peggy Severson
My Deepest sympathy. It is tough to say goodbye to someone we considered part of our family at the Pennington Co Sheriff’s Office. She will always be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Brooke & Mady Lindbert
I can’t even find the words… Been thinking of you all nonstop. I pray that each day becomes easier and that Linzy’s bright spirit shines within you always. Love reading all these wonderful stories about her… You must be so proud…
Love you guys! <3
Keith Shelton - Escanaba, MI
It is with sadness that I learned of Linzy’s passing. I didn’t know her but I know of her achievements as a bright person and outstanding athlete at Rapid River. I would like to express my sympathies to the Monticello family as they go through this difficult time.
Anne Erspamer
To all of Linzy’s Family and Loved Ones,We were so sorry to hear about Linzy’s passing. She was a beautiful girl and a joy to have in our company. We were fortunate to have her along with us on vacation in Florida a few years back.
May you find peace in your memories. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Anne, Tony, Alyssa and the Erspamer family.
Frisk family - Rapid River, MI
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Kelly and Brian McLean - Houghton, MI
We all have heavy hearts over Linzy’s too short time with us. She will never be forgotten. We had many wonderful days at our home on the lake, enjoying the summer breezes with laughter. God Bless Linzy’s friends and family as they try to find their way through life without her.
mike & cindy verbanac
phil & judy so sad to here of your granddaughterspassing , our prayers are with you.
Fred Milliken - Rapid City, SD
My wife and I are sorry for your loss. I recently retired from PCJ, but I never knew your daughter. She sounded like a very caring person and the world will be a little dimmer from now on.
Francie Larrabee - Rapid River, MI
Sometimes Lindzy would help being a student assistant in my elementary PE class along with Dustin Lovell. The little kids admired her skills in basketball. She and Dustin would go one on one with the basketball and Lindzy would “take him to the hole” every time! (Sorry Dustin…my story:). Lindzy was such a joy to everyone.
Jody Kallio - Hancock, Mi
Gerry and Patty I am so sad to hear of your loss , my deepest sympathy, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Niki and Damian Niquette - Austin, TX
Prayes and love to the family and friends of Linzy at this difficult time
Jason Ruotsala
Dear Gerry and family,My family and I wish to give our deepest sympathy and condolences in this very difficult time . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God be with you.
mary and stacy aho - rapid river, mi
Patti,Gerry and family…Our thoughts are with you.Linzy was a sweet girl.Will always remember the good times my neice ,Ronni had with Linzy.Always heard the stories from my sister jo.She will be missed .
St. Ignatius Loyola Parish - Houghton, MI
To the Family of Linzy! We here at St. Ignatius Catholic Parish in Houghton are very sorry for your loss. In memory of Linzy, our parish has dedicated Sanctuary Lamp in the Church for her Holy Week! We will keep you all in our daily prayers. May God Bless you during this extremely hard time.
Dawn Engman - Dollar Bay, MI
To all of Linzy’s family: I’ve been thinking of all of you and wishing you peace during this difficult time. I am lucky to have had Linzy as a best friend. I know she loved you all very much. Some of my favorite times with Linzy were when we were playing basketball or rollerblading along the water in Houghton. I will always remember Linzy’s beautiful smile and kind heart.
Bill & Chetti Green
Dear Patti, Gerald & Family:
We are saddened to read about the passing of Linzy. Know of our deepest sympathies and prayers for all of you during this time of great loss.
“Eternal rest grant unto Linzy, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine on her.”
Bill & Chetti Green; Schofield, WI
Eric & Roxanne Soderstrom
Jerry, Patti & Family,Although our Families are over 2000 miles apart, our deepest thoughts & prayers are just as close as your hearts. In the few chance encounters we had with Linzy, we feel so fortunate to have met such a wonderful, beautiful, smiling, fine young soul. Even though we were not really close to Linzy, we know she was well loved by all her friends and family. We also had such a pleasure in reading & following all her awesome, acedemic, athletic & community achievements. May you find peace in knowing that the crossroads of God’s plan is that we will all meet again. May God’s Love & Peace be with you Linzy.
With all our deepest Love & Sympathy, Eric, Roxanne & Kade
Soren Schmidt - Hancock, MI
My thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace go to Linzy’s family and friends. Linzy was a great student and was respected by her friends and peers. She will be missed and remembered. May God’s love and peace be felt by all who remember Linzy.
Amy Berg - Iron Mountain, MI
Patti, Jerry, Ashleigh, Pj and all family and friends of Linzy… I’m so sorry for your loss, she was an amazing person in every way. my thoughts and prayers go out to all of yous in this time of loss. she will be greatly missed. i love you guys… love and miss you bunches linzy xoxo
DMH - Rapid City, SD
I had the honor of knowing Linzy for a few months towards the end of her life. I have some really fresh memories that will forever stay in my heart. She was an incredibly intelligent, talented, beautiful, and hilarious person! I will remember the many laughs she and I shared as well as the deep conversations. I will also remember her kicking my butt at darts every time we played. 🙂 It was clear to me how much she loved her family and close friends. This is obviously an incredibly difficult time for everyone who knew her, but please know that she was cared for and loved in South Dakota as well. You are all in my thoughts.
Carolyn Paavo - Madison Heights, MI
Gerry and Patti, I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter. Please allow God to help you through this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.