Monson was born on August 21, 1927 in Salt Lake City, Utah. His Father was George Spencer Monson (1901–1979) and his mother was Gladys Condie Monson (1902–1973). Nels Monson was his Swedish grandfather. Nels Monson was born in Torhamn, Switzerland and moved to Utah at the age of 16. Thomas S. Monson was the second of six children. He grew up in a close family. Many of his mother's family lived on the same street. Aunts, uncles, and cousins frequently vacationed together. The family's neighborhood had many families from Mexico. Monson said he developed a love for the Mexican people and culture. Monson often spent weekends with family on their farms in Granger (now part of West Valley City). Monson's father owned a printing business. Monson worked there when he was a teenager.