Richard Bernard Monzyk

Richard Bernard Monzyk, 98, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

He was born in Washington, Missouri in December of 1926 to Theodore and Frances Monzyk. He was a lifelong resident of Washington.

Rich was the youngest of 13 children. He received his education at Saint Francis Borgia School, but left school early to find work to help support his family during the Depression. At the age of 17, Rich enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II, and served two years in the Pacific theater aboard the destroyer USS Stembel. He would often tell vivid stories of his time aboard the ship and all of the battles he saw during the war.

His time in the Navy helped him find his life long occupation as a tool and die maker. Upon returning from WWII, he began learning his trade at a machine shop in Washington, and later moved to Michigan for work and to continue learning the tool & die trade. After Rich moved back to Washington, he joined his brother, Bob, working together in their machine shop in New Haven. The business was eventually sold to Kellwood where he worked until his retirement.

Although Rich went to school with Mildred Aholt, it was many years later that they reconnected at an Elk's dance in Washington. Rich tells the story that when he was dancing with Millie he heard a voice that said this is the woman you are going to marry. Rich and Millie were married in January 1961 and together they raised five children. After Rich retired, he and Millie spent time traveling across almost every state in the United States. Rich enjoyed many hobbies including; hunting, fishing, wine making, wood working, flint napping and singing songs of his youth with his siblings and friends

Rich was preceded in death by his loving wife of 47 years, Mildred (Aholt) Monzyk; his father, Theodore Monzyk, and mother, Frances (Hoelscher) Monzyk; siblings, Lawrence Monzyk, Rosa Pace, Sr. Mary Rose Monzyk, SSM, Bernard Monzyk, Helen Greenstreet, William Monzyk, Margaret Kahmann Vondera, Mary Stuckenschneider, Robert Monzyk, Joseph Monzyk, Louise Nolan, and Jane Davis; and son-in-law, Gregg Westhoff.

He is survived by his five children: Mary (Chris) Enloe of Foristell, David (Cheryl) Monzyk, Washington; Joseph Monzyk, Ballwin; Anne (Jared) Lause, Washington; Fred Monzyk of Corvallis, Oregon; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; many nieces; nephews; and other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Borgia Church, Washington, followed by a Military Honor Guard.

A luncheon will be held in the Jesuit Hall after the service.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Francis Borgia Parish or VFW Post 2661, Washington.

Arrangements in care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington.