Merle Eugene Monahan, age 93 from Brodhead, passed away on March 31, 2023 at the Heritage Assisted Living Center in Muskego, WI. He was born the son of John and Alice (Oleson) Monahan on November 19, 1929. He graduated from Berlin, Wi High School and married Virginia Beane on October 4, 1952.
After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for four years. Merle did two tours of duty in the Korean War. He was stationed at Jacksonville, FL. After he left the Navy, Merle and Virginia moved to Wisconsin where Merle started his career in sales. Merle’s sales career started with Wisconsin Power and Light and ended with Charles Dearth Motors. He was the first salesman for Charles Dearth Motors and retired from there in 1995. He was chosen to go on the Honor Flight to Washington for Veterans in 2018.
Merle loved golfing and together with his longtime love, Cindy Symons, they built his retirement home on the seventeenth green at Brodhead golf course. At the age of 83, Merle shot a round of 83. He also was an avid hunter who created many memories with his deer hunting buddies in northern Wisconsin and pheasant hunting memories with his son and grandsons locally. Merle also had a deep love for his black lab “Bailey” who was at his side throughout the last days of his life.
Merle loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them and creating memories. He introduced the Monahan family reunion tradition at Silvercryst in Wautoma, WI that has been occurring for more than 70 years. Merle taught his children and grandchildren how to boat, ski and play poker!
Merle is survived by his five children, Kevin (Jane) Monahan of Monroe, Julie Monahan of Mesa, AZ, Sue (Tom) Brockman of Muskego, Laura (Jim Knight) Balsiger of New Berlin, Shannon Batzler of Wauwatosa and nine grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and by his sisters Phyllis Davis of Omro, Shirley (Tom) Resheski of Princeton, and Darlene (Gibby) Krentz of Princeton.
He was preceded in death by his parents – John and Alice Monahan, Cynthia Symons, Virginia Monahan, brothers – Kermit, Keith, Hugh (Sonny), Phillip, James, and Patrick, and sisters – Beverly Johnston and Dolores (Sis) Fisher.
A visitation will be held at St Clare of Assisi Parish at St Victor’s Catholic Church, 9:00 am on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. A funeral mass will start at 11:00 am with Father Tafadzwa Kushamba as celebrant, with a luncheon immediately after. Burial will take place at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery in Berlin, WI at a later date.
A celebration of Merle’s life will take place after the luncheon from 2:00 - 4:00pm at Nett’s, Monroe.
Shriner Hager-Gohlke Funeral home is assisting the family. Condolences can be sent to the family at shriner111.com
