Monte Lee Hyrns

Story teller, adventurer Monte L. Hyrns passed away on May 19th, 2021. Monte (Butch) was born on February 27th, 1937. Monte was the son of Irving F. Hyrns and Irene (Pierce) Hyrns of Muskegon Michigan. Monte was proceeded in death by his parents, his oldest sister Marcellas M. Coker (formally Matthews); Lillian Hyrns, and brothers Patrick D. Hyrns and Irwin D. Hyrns (Don). Monte is survived by his sister, Linda Smith (Hyrns) of Henderson, Tenn. and many nieces and nephews. Monte grew up in Muskegon, graduating from North Muskegon High School. Monte attended the one room school house, Benjamin School. Monte went on to attend Grand Valley State Collage and was one of its first graduating classes, graduating with a Master's Degree in Anthropology. Monte served with the Marine Reserves. Monte was first married to Linette Muehlhausen Hyrns and later married Mary Ellen Balkema Hyrns. Although divorced for several years, Mary Hyrns cared for Monte in his battle with Alzheimer's, allowing Monte the ability to continue to live in the home he and Mary built. Monte held various positions with employers in and around Muskegon such as Hackley Hospital, Brinks, Bennett Pump, the Phone Company. Monte retired from Sun Chemical. Monte was a son, a brother, uncle and a friend to many. Monte was an adventurer who's stories always took on a life of their own. Monte had a constant desire to learn and to experience life to its fullest. Monte was a skydiver, a Harley Motorcycle owner/rider. Monte snowmobiled and crossed county skied. He was a big game hunter and fished for salmon, trout and all other types of fish including Piranha. Monte ventured to the Amazon in 1988 as part of International Expeditions. Monte had a great interest in American Indian folk lore (Indian name, Black Feather) and attended many Indian ceremonies. Among his many interests, Monte enjoyed cooking. Monte and his brother Don cooked at many Duck's Unlimited wild game dinners. Monte even traveled to Louisiana to learn how to cook a great gumbo. Monte fought for many years with the disabling disease of Alzheimer's. Monte's final years were spent at his home with its large picture window enjoying the deer, squirrels, birds, nature and always his stories for those who visited. In lieu of flowers, the family would request any donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association and/or Harbor Hospice. No formal visitation will be held.