Monty J. Tennes was born in Tucson, Arizona, July 6, 1943 and passed away November 14, 2024. The eldest of three children born to Monty and Winifred Tennes, raised on the North Shore of Chicago. He graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. After graduation he joined the United States Marine Corps; became a pilot serving in the Vietnam conflict receiving multiple combat awards. He went on to serve as an aviation Unit commander, and Commanding Officer of Marine Aircraft Group 36. It was during the latter part of his career, stationed at HQMC, that he met his loving wife, Diane. Together they had three awesome daughters: Carolyn, Christy and Cathy. Those four women were all he could handle.
He retired from the Marine Corps in 1994 as a Colonel with thirty years of service. Joining civilian life, he became a successful aircraft consultant and moved to Boise, ID. As he went to retire again, he was reminded by his loving wife that she married him for breakfast and dinner not lunch – get back to work. He then went on to be the Director of Crowd Management at the Idaho Center for 6 years when he finally retired.
Then the fun part of life, watching their children grow and develop into independent young ladies and mothers. He did also take up golf just so he could experience first-hand the frustrations he had heard so many friends talk about.
Monty is survived by his wife Diane; daughters Carolyn Fulwider, Christy Tennes, Cathy Lee Lupo; Grandchildren Chris Fulwider and Monty Paul Lupo and sister Vicki Santo.
As I write this in advance of its printing, I am surprised to have made this far but also having been blessed with a perfect and loving family.
Favorite Quote: Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming – WOW –What a ride!