Patrick Monahan
Harlan - Patrick Francis Monahan was born on August 5, 1946, the son of Charles and Marie (Miller) Monahan, near Panama, Iowa. He was baptized and later confirmed at St. Mary of Assumption Catholic Church in Panama. Patrick received his education at a country school and graduated from Harlan High School with the class of 1964. In 1967, Patrick was drafted into the United States Army, where he served with honor and was awarded a Purple Heart after being injured by a grenade during the Vietnam War.
On September 6, 1969, Patrick married Linda McConkey. They were blessed with two daughters, Cindy and Tricia. Later, Patrick married Ruth Hipsher on October 8, 1994, at Ruth’s mother’s home in Omaha, Nebraska, and they built a life together full of love and shared memories.
Throughout his life, Patrick worked various jobs, from the Harlan Pork Plant, then Orkin, to driving a milk truck for Dave Christensen, to working at Bailen’s in Denison. He spent the last 37 years of his career as a welder at Jacob’s Corporation, retiring on April 12, 2010, after a long and dedicated career.
Patrick had a deep love for country music and enjoyed a cold Coors Light, especially while attending truck pulls, where he and Ruth were honored as Fans of the Year. He was also an avid NASCAR and stock car racing fan, always cheering on his favorite Chevy drivers. Patrick’s love for the outdoors showed in his passion for tending his vegetable garden, making salsa, and preserving food for the winter months. Patrick was a jokester at heart, always ready with a story or a playful quip to make others smile. Above all, he cherished his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy. His grandchildren always knew they could count on him to be in the stands, cheering them on at their events.
Patrick passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the age of 78 years, 3 months, and 4 days.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepson, Marc Hipsher; and siblings: Lois Monahan, Marilyn Aherns, Mike Monahan, Donna Moore, Dorothy Miller, and Phil Monahan. Patrick is survived by his loving wife of over 30 years, Ruthie Monahan of Earling; daughters, Cindy Madden of Manning and Tricia Rietveld (Kevin Blanchette) of Harlan; stepson, Craig (Erika) Hipsher of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren: Nichole Vogt and Nicholas Vogt of Harlan, Joe (Katie) Thraen of Vail, Jacob Thraen of Templeton, Megan Hipsher of Omaha, Nate Hipsher of Omaha, Andrea Rietveld of Harlan, and Jordyn Speed of Manning; great-grandchildren: Koe Thraen, Klay Vogt, and Kyler Vogt; siblings: Darlene (Chuck) Montgomery of Yuba City, California, and Greg Monahan of Harlan; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services were held 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Heartland Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa with Rev. Jeff Erlemeier officiating. Recorded musical selections included “Only Here for a Little While” by Billie Dean, “Stuff that Works” by John Conley, “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn, “Grandpa” by The Judds and “On the Other Side” by Jimmy Fortune. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Nick Vogt, Nichole Vogt, Megan Hipsher, Nate Hipsher, Koe Thraen, Klay Vogt and Kyler Vogt. Serving as pallbearers were Joe Thraen, Jacob Thraen, Andrea Rietveld, Jordyn Speed, Mike Monahan and Kevin Blachette. Interment was in the Pleasant Ridge Lincoln Township Cemetery, rural Harlan. Military Honors were provided by members of the Harlan American Legion Post 150 and Iowa Army National Guard. Following the graveside service, the family invited everyone to Faith Family Church in Harlan for a time of fellowship and lunch. Services were entrusted to the Heartland Funeral Home in Harlan.
