Ronald Joseph Monaghan

Ronald Joseph Monaghan passed away at his farm outside of Coggon, Iowa, on May 14, 2025, just a few weeks after celebrating his 80th birthday. He was born on April 23, 1945, in Independence, Iowa, to Patrick and Mary Ellen (Casey) Monaghan.
Ron was raised in an Irish Catholic farm family outside of Coggon and took over the Monaghan family farm near Monti, Iowa, where he lived and worked for more than 50 years. In 2024, the farm was officially recognized as a Century Farm by the Iowa Department of Agriculture, honoring his long-standing stewardship through many challenges.
A man of principle and grit, Ron was widely respected for raising high-quality beef cattle-a reflection of his "all or none" philosophy. He was a man of faith, serving as an usher at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Monti, and was the kind of neighbor people dream of-steadfast, generous, and dependable in a place where your neighbor might be a mile away.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his eldest sister, Kathleen "Kay" Prager; infant sister, Elizabeth; sisters-in-law, Marge Monaghan and Phyllis Sterk; brothers-in-law, Robert Charles "Chuck" O'Hara, Donald O'Hara, and Terry O'Hara; and many more beloved friends, relatives, and neighbors.
Ron is survived by his former wife, Margaret, with whom he shared four children: daughters, Christine Monaghan and Bridget Monaghan both of Chicago, Illinois; and sons, John (Jessica) of Annapolis, Maryland, and David (Brooke) of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The birth of his first granddaughter, Blair, brought him immeasurable joy and pride.
In recent years, Ron shared his life with Gloria Nauman whose love and devotion were a gift in his final chapter. He is also survived by his siblings: Patrick Dean of Indiana; James of West Des Moines; Leo (Diane) of Manchester; and Colleen (Joe) Brenke of Dubuque; brother-in-law, Lee Prager of Schaumburg, Illinois; as well as 11 nieces and nephews who proudly called him "Uncle Ron."
Ron loved freedom and his country. He visited all 48 continental U.S. states, believing there were only two proper ways to see America: from the seat of a motorcycle or the cab of a semi-truck-and he mastered both. His international trips began much later in life, outside of a memorable trucking load to Canada, he went on a trip to Rome, Italy, and a family trip to Ireland. He began his first milk route at the age of 16, guided by the simple belief that "it doesn't cost anything to wave to someone you meet." He later served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and eventually became an independent, cross-country truck driver. During the construction of the Sears Tower in Chicago, Ron proudly delivered materials to the project's loading docks. When trucking slowed during the colder months, Ron returned to the rhythm of farm life.
Ron relished riding his motorcycle on sunny days and always took the scenic route. He cherished his family, never missing a chance to reminisce with them over a piece of pie. Ron counted the birth of his granddaughter among the greatest joys of his life.
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