Community members lined Sheridan Street at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9 to pay homage to Sgt. James C. Mondati as local police and firefighters joined the military procession to honor the soldier’s final homecoming.
Sgt. Mondati’s burial in the Ely Cemetery was over 80 years in the making, following his 1942 death in the Philippines during World War II.
James Mondati survived the infamous Bataan Death March, but died at Camp Cabanatuan, a prisoner of war camp, in the weeks that followed.
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) identified Mondati’s remains after requesting DNA samples from family members.
Friends, family and community members gathered after the procession for a brief service at Kerntz Funeral Home.
“Thank you everyone for coming to pay homage to our uncle Jim. This is a very comforting time for our family,” James Mondati’s nephew, Rico Mondati, told attendees at the 5 p.m. service.
“James Caesar Mondati was a loving son, brother and uncle, but he was so much more than that. He was an American soldier who died serving his country, never to be forgotten,” Rico Mondati said. “May he rest in peace.”
Sgt. Mondati would be 106 years old if he was still living.
“Nobody here met him. If you have, I need to shake your hand,” Rico Mondati said.
James Mondati was never a quitter, Rico Mondati said.
“That horrid 65-mile death march proves that. He made it, and he went to two prisoner-of-war camps,” Rico Mondati said. “There were roughly 2,500 Filipinos and 500 Americans who perished during the march itself, and thousands more in the POW camps.”
Rico Mondati and his sister Carol Gornik each read aloud segments of Sgt. Mondati’s letters to showcase the young service member’s personality. The family found the letters in James Mondati’s footlocker, gifted to Rico Mondati by James Mondati’s brother.
Gornik read aloud a letter written on Oct. 10, 1941 in the Philippines from Nichols Field, addressed to Sgt. Mondati’s brother, John.
“It sure was nice to hear from you and all the wonderful news. It sure sounds nice at home,” Gornik read. “How I wished I could see it and go partridge hunting. I sure miss that.”
James Mondati detailed his hopes to become a sergeant and his plans to apply for a pilot training program. James Mondati encouraged his brother, John, to power through the college courses John was taking.
James Mondati encouraged John to request money from him for college parties if John was short a few dollars. James frequently sent money home to help his family.
“I figure if I stay (in the military) another year, my money will help things going at home,” James Mondati wrote. “You know that money is for the family if they need it.”
“See to it that Pa doesn’t go without his wine,” James Mondati wrote.
“And P.S., don’t forget to tell Mom to use the money if needed,” James Mondati added toward the end.
Sgt. Mondati worked at the Ely State Theater before enlisting. The day before he left, he received $18 from the theater, of which he gave $1 to the theater in case he didn’t pass his exam, spent $1 and gave $16 to his mother.
Rico Mondati read aloud a letter that James Mondati mailed from Fort McDowell, California, in 1940. James Mondati’s writing contained some jokes, profanity, and jabs at community members who had spread rumors about him after he left for military service.
“They are just jealous. You think I should write to them and tell them off?” James Mondati wrote to his brother. “Don’t worry, Johnny. I’m going to come back because I don’t intend to stay in the Air Corps. I mostly joined because I figured I could learn a trade of any kind.”
Sgt. Mondati reassured his brother he would be okay, and he was already enjoying the Army life.
“I smoke. I tried to quit, but it seems that I just can’t. I don’t drink; only beer. But I never get drunk,” James Mondati wrote. “Don’t worry, Johnny. I can take care of myself, and I will.”
Terry Kerntz of Kerntz Funeral Home said it was a remarkable experience to escort the military procession from Minneapolis to Ely before the Sheridan Street procession and evening service.
“I’ve been looking for the words all day,” Kerntz said.
“We got him home safely here, and now tomorrow will be his final resting,” Kerntz said.
Friday’s service was followed Saturday morning with a police-accompanied procession from Kerntz Funeral Home to the Ely Cemetery. Honor Guard representatives and active duty members attended the cemetery service along with a large public turnout on a beautiful fall day. Military rites included a flyover from east to west.
The direction changed from the initial plan from south to north due to better views for photo opportunities.
A meal at Veterans on the Lake followed the cemetery service.
“I have to thank everybody for the community support,” Rico Mondati said. “It’s been great.”
