Monticello, MN History

09/22/2026

We are saddened to share the passing of Gregory "Greg" Kjellberg, a lifelong Monticello native, Monticello High School Class of 1975 graduate, local business owner, and a familiar face to generations of people in our community.

For nearly 31 years, Greg owned and operated Frontier Autobody. But for many who walked through those doors, a visit was about more than getting a vehicle fixed. It meant conversation, stories, joking around, "shop talk," and hearing that unmistakable laugh.

Greg was one of those people who became part of the fabric of a small town. He grew up here, built his business here, raised his family here, and formed friendships that lasted decades.

Behind the businessman was a devoted father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and a man who loved cars, car shows, auctions, swap meets, four wheeling, cooking, and making people laugh.

Those who knew Greg will remember his big personality, his generosity, his sense of humor, and especially that great, boisterous laugh.

Our thoughts are with Greg's children, April and Aaron, his seven grandchildren, the entire Kjellberg family, and the many friends whose lives he touched.

Thank you, Greg, for the memories you leave behind in Monticello.

Greg's complete obituary and Celebration of Life information are included below.

Gregory "Greg" Kjellberg

March 18, 1957 - September 11, 2026

Gregory Keith Kjellberg, age 69 of Monticello, MN passed away Friday morning, September 11th, 2026.

Greg was born at Hart Hospital in Monticello, MN on March 18th, 1957, to Joanne and Keith Kjellberg. He graduated from Monticello High School, class of 1975, later attending St. Cloud vocational school studying autobody. He worked at various other autobody businesses over the years, later opening his own business, reflecting his passion for cars, Frontier Autobody, owned and operated since January 1, 1996. His passion for fixing cars stemming to his childhood.

Greg enjoyed his customer interactions, where business soon turned to long conversations, laughter and joking around. He enjoyed his buddies and longtime friends who stopped daily for "shop talk".

Some of Greg's great joys were his children, April and Aaron Kjellberg and his 7 grandchildren. He loved picking on and teasing his children and the grandchildren, chasing the kids around stating he was going to eat their gizzards and toes, with his great big boisterous laugh. He was a child at heart himself. He was so proud of his children and his grandchildren. He enjoyed socializing and could talk for hours, car shows, auctions, swap meets, four wheeling and making new recipes and bragging about how wonderful they had turned out.

Greg was a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was always willing to offer a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He had a powerful presence, and an amazing laugh. He was our rock, always knowing what to say and what to do when advice was needed, of course with a bit of humor behind his reasonings.

He is survived by his two children April Kjellberg, and Aaron Kjellberg (Ashley); Grandchildren: Rayna, Rylan, Reagan, Ryker, Randyn Moss, Jayden and Brayden Kjellberg. Siblings; Gary Kjellberg (Barb), Linda Kjellberg-Yonak, David Kjellberg. Nieces: Allison Florek, Andrea Kjellberg, Madison Nowling Kjellberg. Stepfather: Robert Marquette. Aunt: Kacey Kjellberg; Along with other relatives, and many very close friends.

He is proceeded in death by his parents; Joanne Marquette, and Keith Kjellberg. Brother-in-law and longtime friend Kevin Yonak. Uncles; Kurt Kjellberg, Kevin Kjellberg, and Kent Kjellberg. Aunt: Diane Kjellberg. Cousin: Kathy Kjellberg and many close friends.

All family and friends are invited to a celebration of life on Saturday, November 14th, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the VFW Post 8731, 713 S. Cedar St, Monticello, Mn 55362

09/21/2026

Enjoy this collection of Homecoming Buttons!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.270910896320248&type=3

Some of these have been provided by Mike Benedetto, Joel Lundin Leslie Kirscht-Sutton Holker, Todd Larson, and too many others to remember.

09/05/2026

I am in search of some one that is experienced with Topaz Studio AI. I have questions. I want to talk to someone that has first hand, hands on experience. Thanks
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09/03/2026

Here is a fascinating snapshot of Monticello in 1978. This “Marketing Research Project for Monticello” was completed in the spring of 1978 by Marketing and Merchandising students at the Wright Vocational Cooperative Center in Buffalo, working through DECA. Students randomly interviewed 587 people throughout the area, including 181 from the Monticello trade area. They asked where people worked and shopped, what they liked and disliked about their community, what new businesses and services they wanted, where they got their local news, and even what days and hours they preferred to shop.

Some of the Monticello results are especially interesting nearly 50 years later. About 92% of grocery purchases, 94% of prescription purchases, 87% of hardware purchases, and 74% of banking were being done locally. Clothing was a different story, with only 27% purchased in Monticello and 62% purchased in Minneapolis. Residents listed good schools, the size of town, friendly people, and Monticello’s location among the things they liked. When asked what the community needed, responses included more doctors, an outdoor swimming pool, racquet courts, ice skating rinks, and a ballroom or dancing place. And in an era long before Facebook and the internet, the leading source of local news and sales information was something that may never go out of style: word of mouth, at 47%.

Take some time to look through these pages. They provide a remarkably detailed picture of how Monticello residents lived, worked, shopped, and viewed their community in 1978.

09/03/2026

Monticello lost two longtime members of our community just three weeks apart. Betty Lou Tvedt passed away on August 11, 2026, at age 87. Her husband of 67 years, Kenneth “Ken” Tvedt, also 87, passed away September 1, exactly three weeks to the day after Betty. They were married May 3, 1959, and spent most of their lives side by side.
Many longtime Monticello residents will remember Ken and Betty from K & B Bakery, which they owned and operated together. Ken was the baker, while Betty worked the front counter, decorated cakes and handled the bookkeeping. Ken was also ahead of his time when he added a self-service coffee shop inside the bakery. For many people, stopping at K & B became part of their regular routine. You could pour yourself a good cup of freshly brewed coffee, grab a hot chocolate or bottle of pop, and of course enjoy one of Ken’s fresh rolls. It became a gathering place as much as a bakery, and those simple everyday visits are memories many longtime residents still carry with them.
Baking was Ken’s lifelong profession, and in 1987 he received the Master Baker award from the Retail Bakers of America. Together, Ken and Betty became familiar faces in the everyday life of Monticello. The photographs we are sharing show them across the years, from their wedding as a young couple to their later years together.
Sixty-seven years of marriage, a family raised together, a business built together, and countless memories left throughout the Monticello community. Our condolences go out to their sons Bruce and Kevin, their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, friends and the many former K & B Bakery customers who knew them. Their complete obituaries are included with this post.

09/02/2026

Another photo of Mrs Gus Hammer on the playground he was such a good sport!!

Monticello Times 24 Photos Courtesy of Chris Lommel Photography more photos at www.monticellohistory.com

09/02/2026

1967 time capsule: this booklet was Monticello's official sales pitch to industry — population 1,600, prime sites off I-94, and a brand-new nuclear plant on the way. A snapshot of small-town ambition before the boom.

09/01/2026

As another school year begins and football season gets underway, here’s a look back 86 years to the 1940 Monticello football team.

Long before Friday night lights looked the way they do today, these young men were representing Monticello on the football field.

Take a close look at the faces. Do you recognize a father, grandfather, uncle, neighbor, or other familiar name?

If you can identify anyone in this photo, please leave their name in the comments and tell us what you know about them. Let’s see how many members of the 1940 team we can identify.

Good luck to all of Monticello’s students and athletes as another school year and football season begins!
photo from the collection of Mac Murray