Service Information
Dr. James Mona, age 71, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at his home in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be Friday, February 20, 2026, 11:00 A.M., at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 P.M., at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial Service will be livestreamed via https://ctkhutch.com/live
Obituary
James “Jim” L. Mona, age 71, a faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, was called home to the presence of his Savior on Saturday, February 7, 2026, surrounded by loved ones peacefully at his home in Hutchinson, Minnesota. Jim lived a life marked by devotion to God, family, country, and the communities he served as a trusted physician.
Inspired by his uncle, Dr. Dale Dodson, Jim graduated from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery and practiced as a family physician, emergency room physician, and urgent care physician for the next 40 years.
He was a longstanding member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Osteopathic Association, the Minnesota Osteopathic Medical Society (president 2000-2002), and the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice (president 2010). Jim was known for his warmth and caring expertise with patients, and for generously fielding medical questions day and night from a huge network of friends and extended family.
Spending time with loved ones, including his beloved German Shepherd, Kimber, was his greatest joy in life. No family member of Jim’s ever left without a hug and an “I love you.” Jim was deeply sentimental, with a passion for recording every moment on film—he would be thrilled that his funeral is being live-streamed.
A sharp-witted storyteller with a booming laugh, Jim could (and did) start a conversation with literally anyone. He and his wife Karen made many deep friendships as they traveled for Board of Medical Examiners conferences, went RV camping, took cruises, and visited their children living in locations from Switzerland to Japan. Members of the Wild Prairie H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) Chapter, Jim and Karen took annual road trips on their Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide to various states including the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Jim enjoyed music, playing his silver Doc Severinsen trumpet in the University of Minnesota marching band and playing the piano throughout his life. He was also a video game enthusiast, from the early days of Pong right up to donning virtual reality headsets with his grandchildren. Jim was a Minnesota sports fan and an airshow lover who liked snowmobiling and flying in his 4-seat Piper Archer plane. He was also an avid collector of books, movies, and even a 1986 Pontiac Fiero GT that is in his garage to this day.
He was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church and enjoyed meeting with his online Bible Study Fellowship group. Regularly, he talked about the importance of faith so we can reunite with our loved ones when the Lord calls us home.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Roald and Patricia Mona, and brothers Jerold Mona and John Mona.
He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Karen Mona; children, Jennifer (Phillip) Evans and Daniel Mona and their mother, Kathleen Albrecht; stepchildren, Tracy (Brian) Scherping, Mitchell (Sonia) Koval, and Christopher (Ping) Koval; siblings, Laurie Mona and Joel Mona; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
He will be missed by the 14 grandchildren who adored him: Taryn, Arcadia, Jace, Meritt, Hollis, and Callum Evans; Simon, Sylas, and Keaton Scherping; Finley and Scarlett Koval; and Rebekah, Micah, and Prisca Koval.
Vickie Lueck says
Karen & family,
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I enjoyed working with Dr. Mona in the ER years ago. He knew I hated mice & he always hid plastic ones around to scare me. Then he would laugh, he probably still had them somewhere. Sending my deepest sympathies to you and your family. He will be missed by so many.
Kathy Berghuis says
He will be so missed. Such a great guy! Sending our sympathies!
Robin Baysinger says
My sympathies for your loss. I always enjoyed my conversations when I ran into him and his wife. Prayers for you all
Brad Emans says
Rest in Peace Doc. Thank you for all of your years of service!
ASHOK OJHA, MD says
Dear Karen;
Got the information of the sudden and sad demise of Jim. Has come to us as a shock. I have many fond memories Jim at work. He was my work neighbor too. Although we have been away from Hutchinson for more than 12 years, we have stayed in touch. Smita and I wish, Karen and the rest of the family our sincere condolences. You are in our prayers. Peace and God bless.
William Dugan says
Karen
I am so sorry and sad that Jim has passed away. He was such a beautiful, fun and kind person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Jim’s loved ones and friends. R.I.P. Jim.
Bill Dugan
Lisa Ishihara says
Dear Karen and Family,
I am so very shocked and saddened to have seen this news. Although I am positive Doc has simply changed addresses and is now with his Lord; Earth has lost a fantastic human.
Doc used his excellent skills to care for my Grandma, my dad, my son and myself. We could never thank him enough. We knew we were in good hands and we appreciated his sense of humor. It helped put us at ease.
I will miss seeing his comical FB posts but know he will enjoying his time in Heaven and was probably met at the Pearly Gates by Kimber!
Prayers for your family during this difficult time. Doc will be missed.
Alan Bales says
I respected him deeply. I looked forward to meeting with him every Sunday night for Bible study.
I felt a special connection to him because I also had an aneurysm just like his daughter.
I’m glad that he knew the lord. I celebrate the fact that he’s in heaven now with Jesus and my family.
Beth fruetel says
Karen and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. It caught me come by Complete shock as I was looking up a friend’s obituary.
I will truly miss our conversations while taking care of hair care needs.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers
And deepest sympathy
Tom and Beth Fruetel
Alan Clifton says
It’s going to take a while to absorb this news. He was such a special person to our BSF group. We were blessed to have shared life with him. Will hold his family in our prayers as they mourn his passing.
Julie Heaton-Hill says
I am very sorry to read of the passing of Dr Mona. My deepest condolences to his family, whom he loved very much. He talked about all of you with great love. I enjoyed working with him. And learned a lot from him. We both loved dogs and talked about our own dogs. Dog people are extra special folks. Jim was an extra special doctor, husband, wife, dad, friend, and coworker.
Sincerely,
Julie Heaton-Hill
Urgent care colleague at Allina
Nita Totushek says
Karen & families,
My sympathies to you & families. Dr Mona was a wonderful Dr ! I worked with him on the clinic side many years ago & helped us on the Hospital side as well. Prayers & Hugs.
Bala Rao MD says
I have along with other members of the BSF international class had the privilege of Learning the Word of Gods with Jim for the past 2 years. He was a caring delightful Christian man. He cared about others and had a sprit of encouragement. I will miss his contagious smile and loving and caring for others. My prayers to Karen and his family. God bless.
Bala Rao MD says
Very sad to hear about Jim sudden departure from earth to be with Lord and savior Jesus Christ. We will miss your smile, your sense of humor , your dedication to learn the word of God and a role model for your love, caring, sharing and compassion to all that God put in your path. Will miss you Jim at BSF.
Darlene Kotelnicki says
Dear Karen and family,
I worked with Dr.Mona for several years both when he was in the clinic and then when he went to ER. I enjoyed working with him and he could sure get people taken care I’m off in a timely manner in ER. He used a very common sense approach and made sure patients understood their discharge instructions! Sorry to hear of his passing!
Darlene Kotelnicki
Christian Dobratz says
Karen,
I am in shock to hear of Doc’s passing. We worked together for many years while I was with Hutchinson Police. He had an incredible bedside manner with all his patients. I was so relieved he was working the night of my dad’s heart attack, he put my mom and I both at ease. He was incredibly skilled in his work, and there was no doubt about his love for you and for Kimber.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Remember the good times ??
Matthew says
My experience with James was extremely short. Yet the few words he shared and the steady hand on my shoulder in a time of apprehension guided me in a direction with a positive outlook. He made a difference for my work going forward and every time I saw his name I was reinforced. He is one of those who’s impact he never truly knew.
Rick R Rud says
God bless our traveling buddy from the Nordic Nomads. We will miss you. You have left a smile on all of our faces from your warm and friendly personality and humor. Rest in peace my friend.
Rick, Patty and Eric Rud
Pat Lutzwick says
We are so sad to hear of Dr. Mona’s passing. He was our doctor when he practiced in Little Falls. He helped us through many hard times. We send our condolences to Karen and his entire family.
Dave and Pat Lutzwick
Connie Hogan says
I was absolutely stunned reading that Dr. Mona passed away. I have never met any other doctor who could hold up to his standards. He was my doctor when my son was born. I will always remember his infectious smile. I am so sorry for his families loss.
Pattie Evans says
Dear Karen and family
We were so sad to hear of Jim’s sudden but peaceful passing. We know that the fact that he died peacefully in his sleep as he had wanted is a comfort. Knowing that because of the Savior he will be resurrected and you will be united one day is a comfort. But we also know that you will be grieving and will need to go through that in spite of the knowledge of the Savior’s plan. After all the Savior himself wept at the death of Lazarus. In spite of his perfect knowledge of the plan of salvation. We love you and have enjoyed sharing all our grandparent moments over the years.
Bob and Pattie Evans and family
Melissa Graves says
I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re in my prayers and thoughts.
Love Melissa Barnes Graves
Babette Piker says
I first met Doc in the ER when I was working at HTI. The brigade crew that drove me in at midnight forgot to call ER ahead so the nurse had to call him in. It was so nice to meet him because that’s who my coworker/friend went too. He treated me well and was very good and helpful. When I got back to HTI my friend was surprised that I went to the ER and that James was the one who attended to me. May God continue to carry you through these hard days, but knowing where he rests now at peace with God, family and Friends will bring you comfort and peace. He helped a huge amount of people all over the world and changed people’s lives too!
MICHELLE WESTRUM says
Karen and family- I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Mona always had a smile and a kind word. He will be dearly missed. I am sure he and Kimber are playing together in heaven. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Melissa Mohrenweiser, Md says
I had the great pleasure with working with Dr Mona at my time in the Buffalo UC. He was such a kind a gentle soul and a great mentor.
My big memory of him was how much he loved his wife. Anytime the nurses or I were talking girl stuff- he wanted to know if his wife might like it.
Great colleague and person.
Michael says
A life well lived, a presence that will be missed.