Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Monroe Obituary
November 4, 1927 - September 13, 2025
John Laverne Monroe, 97, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
John was born in Clinton, Iowa, on November 4, 1927, to John E. and Ida May Monroe and attended St. Mary's Catholic High School and upon graduation enlisted in the Navy, June of 1945. Upon his return, he attended Loras College and graduated from the University of Iowa, beginning his career as a pharmaceutical representative for USV Pharmaceuticals. With his humor and love of the written word, he enjoyed referencing himself as Willie Loman from "Death of a Salesman".
John was united in marriage to Marilyn McAllister on August 7, 1954, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt. They soon became the loving parents of five children. With his impeccable wit he enjoyed the joke that asks a man if he had the chance to do it over again, would he still have five children? The man responds, "Oh, yes… but not these five!" Their home was filled with humor and music along with a lot of Irish charm! They continued their fun and loving partnership for 65 years.
John thought it impossible to live a life without music. The house or car was rarely without him humming, whistling or singing softly to himself. He was particularly fond of the musical "I Do! I Do!" and its timeless lyrics, "In only a moment we both will be old. We won't even notice the world turning cold. And so, in this moment, with sunlight above, my cup runneth over with love."
John was a sincere, caring person who left a lasting impression on those he met. He was remarkably sharp and quick, always ready with a witty response up until the end (and yes, Dad… the Big End). They have both left us with only beautiful memories.
He is survived by his children: J.C./John (Deborah) Monroe, Mary Jeanne (Roger) Gerdes, Brian Monroe, Maura (Scott) VanderWal, and Mark (Nancy) Monroe; grandchildren: Sean (Alison Ryley) Gerdes, Michael (Ashley) Monroe, Ryan (Lama) Gerdes, Patrick (Kelly) Gerdes, Elizabeth Monroe Weekly, Andrew (Courtney) Monroe, Erin Monroe, Rose VanderWal, Molly (Bjørn) Monroe, Maggie Monroe and John VanderWal; great-grandchildren: Zachary, Hunter, Audrey and James.
Marilyn preceded him in death in 2020.
A Catholic Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Church in DeWitt on Friday September 19th with a visitation at 10 a.m. and an 11 a.m. mass following. His family will lay him to rest at St. Joseph's Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Monroe
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in John Monroe's name
Memorial Events
for John Monroe
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Monroe's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
