Janet Ann Monk

Janet Ann Monk, 79, died May 29, 2024, at Hospice of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa of multiple organ failure. Jan was born July 20, 1944, to Phillip and Vivian O'Brien in Quincy, Illinois. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1962 and from St. Louis University with a degree in Physical Therapy in 1966. She was a Physical Therapist for 43 years in Champaign-Urbana, IL and in Cedar Rapids, IA. Caring for others was clearly her passion in life.

Jan married David Monk on February 19, 1966, at the family church in Quincy. They are the parents of four children: Dave (Kari and granddaughters Sierra and Tatum) in Mesa, AZ; Steve (Monica and granddaughters Rio, Maya, and Talula) in Polk City, IA; Carol (Todd Ruff) in Austin, TX; and Terri Gureno (Joe and granddaughters Zoe and Marley) in Middleton, WI.

Jan was a longtime member of St. Pius X Church. She was active in the parish, teaching religious education for 20 years and supporting church events. She was also involved in the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, leading support groups for 24 years. She regularly volunteered at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center.

She loved to travel. Together Dave and Jan visited Europe and Japan and went on church-related visits to Israel, Ireland, and Italy. They visited Steve and daughter-in-law Monica during Monica's Peace Corps assignment in El Salvador and to daughter Terri's Peace Corps assignments in Romania, Vanuatu, and Armenia. She and Dave visited all 50 states and for the past 15 years "snow-birded" their winters in Arizona.

Jan was always a doer. She enjoyed activities like hiking, Yoga, Tai Chi, Mah Jong, knitting, genealogy, and especially mushroom hunting. During college she worked at Missouri School for the Blind and later became a Braille translator. One of the manuscripts she translated is in the Library of Congress. She was a member of book, knitting, and bridge clubs. She never let St. Patrick's Day pass without hosting a party. And she never left the house without taking a camera.

Jan is survived by her immediate family above and by nieces Kelly, Colleen, and Katie and their families and brother-in-law Gerry, sister-in-law Janis and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother John and his wife Jean, daughter-in-law Monica, and sister-in-law Eloise.

Jan was beloved by many for her generous heart, unwavering faith, and devoted friendship. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, Prairiewoods, St. Pius X Church, or a charity of your choice on her behalf.

We welcome all of those who loved her to share in a memorial service and reception at St. Pius X on August 10 at 11:00 AM.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com.