Francis J. Monahan

ALTURA, MINN. - Francis J. Monahan, 77, of Altura, Minn. died on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, at the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, Minn. Francis was born on September 9, 1936, in Winona, Minn. to John J. and Lorrene (Ahern) Monahan. His mother died when he was a child. Francis' father then married Winifred Rader. He attended country school in rural Altura and graduated from Holy Trinity School in Rollingstone. Francis married Lorraine Subra in 1958. They were later divorced. Francis farmed all of his career in Winona County. Faith, farming and family were the center-pieces of his life. Francis was a very religious man who recited the Rosary daily. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston. Francis enjoyed farm toys, farm shows and steam engine shows. He was a great visitor who enjoyed time spent visiting with his neighbors. He also enjoyed his dogs, Winston and Speedy. He especially liked taking Winston on the tractor during his favorite farming job, making hay. In addition to farming, Francis took great pleasure in working with his son, Dan in his cattle hoof trimming business. Francis was a compassionate man who was full of wisdom. He was always willing to respectfully share his advice. Francis is survived by his step-mother, Winifred of Winona; four children: Juliann (Michael) Mueller of Lime Springs, Iowa, Michael (Bev) Monahan of River Falls, Wis., Dan (Linda) Monahan of Plainview, Minn., and Lee (Lesley Lyons) Monahan of Miami Beach, Fla.; twelve grandchildren: Nathan, Gabrielle, Ashley, Crystal, Carrie, Katie, Angel, Cheyenne, Brady, Corey, Ethan, and Justine; nine: great-grandchildren: Kaydence, DJ, Zachary, Sophia, America, Zaniel, Taitem, William, Elaina, Vincent, and Jaxson; and four siblings: Mary Gernes of Witoka, William (Lucy) Monahan of Altura; Pat (Harry) Tucker of Indianapolis, Ind., and Anne (Charlie) Kramer of Minnieska, Minn. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. There will be a Funeral Mass for Francis at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston, Minn. with the Rev. Timothy Hall officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Winona Minn. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview, Minn. where there will be a prayer service at 4:45 p.m. and the Rosary will be recited following the visitation. There will also be a visitation at church one hour prior to the Funeral Mass. Leave a memory of Francis and sign his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com