He graduated in 1970 from Forest City High School, followed by an associate degree from Waldorf University in Forest City in 1972.
He obtained his bachelor’s degree of Science in Entomology from Iowa State University in 1974, his Master of Science Degree from Idaho State University in 1976. In 1985 he enrolled at the University of Arkansas and earned his Doctorate in 1989.
Monte was employed by the University of Kentucky as an Extension Specialist in the Department of Entomology from 1989-2000. In December of 2000, he accepted a position with The United States Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service in Washington D.C., where he worked until he retired in 2015.
Monte taught himself to play guitar at the age of fifteen and continued to improve his talent to a professional level. He very much enjoyed playing at various venues but especially enjoyed playing for family and friends. He also enjoyed photography, sketching wildlife, hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking with his family.
Monte passed from this life on October 24, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Rosella (Clemens) Johnson, of 43 years; his two adult children, Chelsea and Philip Johnson; his sister, Monica and her husband, Keith Pletcher; and a niece, Anita and her husband, Stacy Willert; and a nephew, Jon Pletcher. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlo and Eleanore Johnson.
