Rene Monforton, 81, passed away on the morning of September 24, 2022, in his home surrounded by family. Rene was born on November 4, 1940, in Dearborn, MI, to Theophile and Eugenie Monforton. On his eighteenth birthday, Rene volunteered for the draft for the United States Army. He served in Germany during the Berlin Crisis. Rene spent his professional career as Executive Vice President of Claims and Chief Operating Officer of AAA Michigan, advocating for others. He worked hard to give humanizing rights to individuals with disabilities.
Rene and his wife, Michelle. were married on May 22, 1965. They spent 57 wonderful years together, full of love, trust, and happiness. Together they raised two beautiful daughters, Catia and Lisane. Rene enjoyed fishing, playing tennis and golf, playing pinochle, and spending time with his family and friends. Rene was known as a kind and compassionate man who always had a joke to share. He brightened every room he walked into.
Rene is survived by his wife, Michelle; daughter, Catia Monforton-Farris, her husband, Patrick Farris, and their sons, Roland and Noah Farris; and daughter Lisane Swartwood, and her husband, Steve Swartwood, and their daughters, Rachel and Brigitte.
Rene was preceded in death by his parents, Theophile and Eugenie; and his brothers, Bob and Mark Monforton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. from St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Mancelona.
Visitation will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home on Friday, October 14, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Mancelona, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.
Rene spent his professional and personal life advocating for individuals with brain injuries and epilepsy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Michigan Epilepsy Foundation, in honor of Rene.
6 comments on “Leo Rene Monforton”
I was a classmate of Rene at St Alphonsus HS in Dearborn, Michigan. We graduated in 1958.
Rene was a wonderful person, an easy going guy. Rene played on the St Als hockey team.
Phil Babel
Mr. Monforton was a special man with a very special daughter Catia that I’m glad to call my friend. He will be truly missed. My prayers to Michelle, Catia, Lisane and their whole family!!!
Rene and Michelle moved into the house next to us in Detroit. Rene and my Dad, George, became best friends and were always joking around. Michelle joined my mother Bernice’s pinochle club and met all the neighbor ladies. When the girls were born I was their baby sitter for many years. At my daughters wedding Rene was there to walk me down the aisle. He was always there to help out no matter what. Michelle and the girls are in my thoughts during this difficult time. God bless you. Marilyn Virant
Rene was a kind man, a great mentor, and a great boss. I worked directly for Rene for several years and always found him to have a quick wit and a genuine concern for all employees regardless of position. He worked hard for catastrophically injured people especially those with brain injuries. Rest In Peace Rene, you’ve earned a special place in heaven.
Mrs. Monforton, I am so sorry to read this, I always loved seeing you guys at Settings in Lakes of the North. Prayers and hugs to you and your family.
Amy and Jerry Sisovsky
Worked with Rene at AAA Dearborn’s Claim Dept in 1963 & 1964. Great guy to be associated with. Always fun to be around. Sorry to hear of his passing.