John M. "Mike" Monaghan
January 20, 2016
John Michael “Mike” Monaghan, 69, passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at the VA Hospital in Des Moines.
Mike was born February 18, 1946 in Des Moines to John and Verna (Tieszen) Monaghan. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War at which time he received several medals including the Bronze Star.
Mike received his degree in mechanical technology from Iowa State. He worked for the DOT doing survey and photography work and later for the United States Postal Service.
Mike loved music, he had a collection of over 500 cd’s. The Rolling Stones, Leonard Cohen, Grateful Dead, Fleetwood Mac and Bob Dylan were among his favorite artists. He loved camping and sitting up late at night in front of the campfire. One thing that impressed his wife Elaine while they were dating, was the love and care he gave to his dog, Katie and his ability to keep his jade plant and cactus alive and still thriving after 30 years.
Mike is survived by his wife of 25 years, Elaine; brothers, Don Monaghan and Jerry (Susan) Monaghan; nephews, Joel, Jeff and Jammie; step-son, Eric (Katherine) Roccasecca; step-granddaughter, Zoe Anne; and a host of other extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dog, Katie.
The family will greet friends from 12 to 2 p.m. with the funeral service at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2016 Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Mike will be laid to rest at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Cumming, Iowa at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Hope Ministries (Bethel Mission) in Des Moines.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Lee
01/26/2016
My condolences to the Monaghan family sorry for your loss. May you draw ever closer to God through prayer as he will comfort and strengthen you.
Psalm 65:2
Jerry Monaghan
01/26/2016
Thank you to all who thought of Mike at this time. I would love to hear from you.
Jerry Monaghan
Jerald.monaghan@gmail.com
6172838725
Cindy Valin
01/25/2016
Elaine and family: We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Paul & Cindy Valin
Bob Ramey
01/25/2016
I'm so very sorry to see that Mike has passed away. He and his brothers were good childhood friends of mine back in the mid 50's to the late '60s. Many wonderful afternoons playing basketball in their driveway and then we soon graduated to cars and Jerry with his monster motorcycles gave us all a thrill. I married and moved away in 1970 but came back a few times to catch up with them and I wanted my new wife to meet them, too. We met and had a fine afternoon of memories.They were a great part of my formative years. I stopped in at Mikes house a few years ago but he was out and I never went back and for that I am sorry. So, condolences to the entire Monaghan family, Elaine, Jerry and Don. Sorry for your loss.
Bob
P.S Jerry, Don, stay in touch with me. We're not getting any younger. rramey6012@aol.com
John H. Shockley
01/25/2016
My wife Tammy and I are good friends of Mike. He was "Best Man" at our wedding. I have known Mike for 46 years. We met in the Army. He was loved like a brother. My kids loved playing with Mike when he came to visit. He loved my children and they send their condolences, also. Life will never be the same knowing that he is gone. We are sorry that we will be unable to make the drive down from Saint Paul, but we hope to attend the Burial in the Spring. Elaine , Don, and Jerry, you have our deepest sympathy.
Mrs Tim Gardella
01/25/2016
Jerry-
Just wanted you to know, how sorry I am about Mike.
Tim's brother John sent me Mike's obituary. It's been such a long time.
I don't know if you know but Tim died 6-8-2013. I travel back and forth to Des Moines now.
My prayers will be with you and the family.
Sincerely, Tresa
Bill Bernard
01/24/2016
My friend Mike has left us. The world, and especially my world, was made immeasurably better because of Mike. I and my children will be eternally grateful for having known him. I hope we will all be with him and our family members when we are told our work is done.