HOT SPRINGS - Monte James Birdsall, 70, of Hot Springs, died at home March 3, 2007.

A wake/rosary service will be held 7:00 pm, Monday, March 5, 2007 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Hot Springs. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 am, Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Hot Springs, SD with Father Peter Kovarik and Father Thomas Tierney officiating. A reception will follow at St. Anthony's Parish Hall. Interment will be held 3:00 pm, Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD with military honors provided by the Sturgis Honor Guard.

Monte James Birdsall was born on March 6, 1936 to E. Blanche (Dryden) and Peter James Birdsall in Hot Springs, SD. He graduated from High School, a member of the National Honor Society, and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He met and married his beloved wife, Della Gunville, in 1957. Monte mustered out of the Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant in 1958, leaving Camp LeJeune, North Carolina with his wife and infant son. The young family settled back in Edgemont, SD where Monte worked in the Silver King Uranium mine. In 1961 Monte took his growing family, now numbering five, and moved to Mobridge, SD where he went to work for Richardson Realty. In 1970, Monte was given the opportunity to buy into a boot & shoes store in Pierre, SD. Seizing that opportunity he moved the family once again. Having purchased the business, he launched the name of Stockman Boot Shop. Monte became interested in the repair of boots and shoes, gradually advancing to become one of the most respected custom boot makers in the Midwest. With his sons at his side, he built the business and then expanded to Rapid City, SD in 1978. As Monte neared retirement, he moved the business one last time to Hot Springs, returning home to his roots in 1991. Monte retired in 1998, selling the business to his daughter and son-in-law. Monte embodied the true spirit of a cowboy and gentleman, choosing to spend his leisure time helping his in-laws at the ranch in Whitehorse. He held true to those values all his life. Monte was an avid hunter who took advantage of every opportunity to go off hunting. He delighted in all of his grandchildren and even became "grandpa" to many foster children over the years. Monte has been loved and will be missed by many.

Monte was preceded in death by his parents, step-father George "Buck" Overstreet and two sisters, Lavonne and Monica. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years; son, Jeffrey (Renette) Birdsall of Hot Springs; daughter, Jana (Jim) Bultsma of Hot Springs; son, James (Christine) Birdsall of Rapid City; and grandchildren, Leanne (Jon) Falconer of Miami, FL; Lindsey, Lexie and Larissa Birdsall of Ipswich, SD; Benjamin Terhaar of Sedan MN; Christine (Jeremy) Johnson of Colton, CA; Adam Terhaar of Aberdeen, SD; Willow Campbell of Rapid City, SD; Ash and Rowan Birdsall of Rapid City, SD; and one great-granddaughter, Amelia Johnson of Colton, CA. Pallbearers will be Jim Bultsma, Leanne Falconer, Harley Gunville, Glenn Gunville, Barry Bender and Tom Lawrence. Honorary Pallbearers are Richard "Mac" Materniak of Green Bay, WI; Lee Alden of Newell, SD; Dave Alden of Black Hawk, SD; Martin DuCharme of Rapid City, SD and Harlan Gunville of Whitehorse, SD along with all other relatives and friends. The family is pleased to suggest memorials to Hospice of the Hills through Rapid City Regional Hospital at 1011 11th Street, Rapid City, SD 57701. Bless the wonderful hands of dedicated nurses like Jeanette and Glenda.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Hot Springs, SD. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.