Wilbert "Willie" L. Monaghan

Wilbert L. “Willie” Monaghan, 83, Esko, MN, died peacefully Sunday, June 5, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on September 6, 1927 in Superior, WI to Wilbert “Webb” and Frances (Morin) Monaghan.

He graduated from the former Cathedral High School and attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Willie served his country in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1945.

He married Kathy on March 5, 1977 and recently celebrated thirty-four years of marriage.

He was a member of the Superior Fire Department for thirty-three years retiring in 1983 as Assistant Fire Chief.

Willie was a member of Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, Superior and was a member of the St. Francis Catholic Church in Carlton.

His other memberships included third and fourth degree Knights of Columbus, Retired Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin, Superior Retired Firefighters where he served as secretary/treasurer, a life member of the VFW, Superior and the Moose Lodge #606. He was an active member of the Superior Fire Fighters Local #74 where he served on various committees.
Willie loved camping and traveling with Kathy in their motor home. He was a constant companion to his wife Kathy in helping her with students and FBLA events. He also enjoyed curling, hunting at the cabin with his brothers, nephews and friends and working on cars and woodworking projects.

Willie is survived by his wife, Kathy; children, Mark (Mary Jill) Monaghan, Titusville, FL, Michael (Carol) Monaghan, Chicago, IL, Nancy (Mike) Beery, Duluth, MN, Julie Monaghan, Superior, WI, Jeffery Monaghan, Esko, MN, Maureen (Peter) Gee, Superior, WI and Margery (Steve) Wittenberg, Wausau, WI; brothers, Philip (Elsa) Monaghan, Columbia, South America and Michael (Janie) Monaghan, Madison, AL; sister, Kathleen Radtke, Superior, WI; eleven grandchildren, Riley, Nina, Kari, Ryan, Josh, Jake, Kane, Colin, June, Sierra and Matthew and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Wilbert “Webb” and Frances Monaghan, four brothers, Jack, Pat, Fred and Joe Monaghan and five sisters, Mary Broberg, Betty Monaghan, Jane (Fitch) Wright, Margaret (Joe) Flynn and Dorothy (Vernon) Holsclaw.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, June 8, 2011 in the Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior where a rosary to is be held at 7:00 PM.

Visitation will resume at 9:30 AM, Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church and continue until the 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci and Rev. Fr. Daniel Dahlberg as concelebrants.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Superior.

Pallbearers for the service will be Mark, Mike, Michael Monaghan, Jim Flynn, Ray Radtke, Tony Fedyn, Warren Winslow and John Broberg.

Honorary pallbearers will be current and retired members of the Superior Fire Department along with caregivers, Starr Abrahamson, Kris Godden, Pam Gossman, Sheila Matthews, Kathy Oswskey, Pam Potthier, Terri Waataja and Misty Wick, and members of the Knights of Columbus, Assembly #1208, Councils #499 & #7106.
Military honors will be accorded by Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 Honor Guard.

To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com.