Kathy J. Monaghan

Kathy J. Monaghan, 78, of Esko, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 27, 2022, at Essentia Health-Miller Dwan in Duluth, Minnesota. She was born April 6, 1943, the daughter of George and Daphna (Lenord) Nordin.

Kathy married the love of her life Wilbert “Willie” Monaghan on March 5, 1977. Every day was an adventure for them. Kathy loved to spend time at her cabin. Kathy and Willie enjoyed camping in the RV, traveling and watching many sunsets together. Their love and commitment to each other was beautiful. Kathy always said, “I miss him so much.” They celebrated thirty-four years of marriage before Willies passing in 2011.

Kathy loved her Minnesota Vikings, watching Phil Mickelson playing golf and UMD hockey. She traveled to Branson, Missouri several times for Danny O’Donnell concerts.

She was a graduate of Proctor High School class of 1961. Kathy earned her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1965. In 1970, she received her master's degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Kathy taught business education at Superior Senior High School (SSHS). She started the Business Occupations Program and the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Chapter at SHSS. She was named the FBLA Outstanding Advisor of the year in 1997.

Kathy and Willie traveled with high school students to multiple National FBLA competitions all over the United States. Kathy was especially proud of her students who earned National first place recognition.

Kathy welcomed her retirement in 1998. But she was not done yet!

Kathy’s dedication to a life of service is evident in her leadership positions in many organizations.

She was the president of the Wisconsin Retiree Chapter of American Federation of Teachers (AFT), a position she held for the past 17 years. Her bargaining skills, negotiations and superb record keeping will be missed by many. Kathy kept meticulous records in handwritten shorthand!

Kathy was the secretary of Wisconsin Federation of Teachers (WFT) for 36 years. She was also vice president for the State Federation. She was a member of the Superior Federation of Teachers-Local 202.

Kathy was the secretary of Retired Firefighters Association of Superior Wisconsin for decades! She organized, planned and enjoyed hosting Christmas parties for all her friends from neighbors, teachers and firefighters. Everyone left with a craft or gift that Kathy made!

She is survived by her children, Mark and Mary Jill Monaghan, Michael and Carol Monaghan, Nancy and Mike Beery, Julie Monaghan, Jeffery Monaghan, Maureen and Peter Gee and Margery Wittenberg. Her grandchildren Riley and Victoria Monaghan, Nina Rose and Joseph Sanchez, Kari and Sean Treat, Ryan and Jenny Monaghan, Joshua Beery and Sydney Host, Jacob Beery, Kane Larsen, Colin Larsen, June Gee, Sierra Wittenberg and Matthew Wittenberg. Her great-grandchildren MacKenzie Aran Treat, Joseph Patrick Sanchez and Donovan Patrick Treat.

She is survived by her brother-in-law Michael Monaghan and sister-in-law Kathleen Radtke.

She will be missed by her helpful caring friends Kathy, Sheila and Rick.

Kathy will be dearly missed by her constant companion Simon - her dog!

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willie Monaghan, her parents and many beloved Monaghan family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Friday, March 4, 2022, at Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior, WI, followed by a Catholic Funeral Service at 1:00 PM with Rev. Fr. James Tobolski as officiant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Superior.

The American Federation of Teachers is currently establishing a scholarship fund in Kathy’s honor. Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Kathy’s name by sending a check to the AFT-Wisconsin Scholarship Fund, ATTN: Kathy Kreul, PO Box 285, Highland, WI  53543.

To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.downs-lesage.com .