Winifred A Monahan

ROLLINGSTONEAll who knew Winifred Monahan would agree that she was one of the sweetest people around. She was a hard worker who was always looking for ways she could help those around her in ways both great and small. A loving wife and nurturing mother, Winifred was in her element while cooking up a feast for her family that later grew to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. With an unwavering faith as the cornerstone in her life, she was an outstanding role model for her family, friends, and all who were near. With a life that spanned nearly a century, Winifred wove a brilliantly colored mosaic of memories that her loved ones will forever treasure. With the end of WWI in 1918, America was recognized as a world leader for the first time and poised for greatness. We did not disappoint as we led the way into the following decade with innovation that brought us things like washing machines, refrigerators, radios, and cars that were more affordable thanks to the mass production capabilities of the assembly line. It was during this exciting time that John and Florence (Sherman) Rader were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as winter held the town of Rollingstone, Minnesota, firmly in its grip in early 1919. The big day finally arrived on February 7th when the healthy baby girl they named Winifred Ann. drew her first breath. She was one of 11 children in her family, and when her father died at only 54 Winifred stepped in to help her mother raise her siblings and tend to the household duties. From the time she was a young girl she was a talented seamstress, and she used these skills to make clothes for her siblings. Although the Rader family lived in a small three bedroom house, their home was abundantly filled with love and grace. Winifred especially loved any holiday because their extended family came over and all packed into their house for endless amounts of laughter and love. As a young woman Winifred was excited to see all that life had in store. She graduated from Holy Trinity Catholic School in 1937 as valedictorian (Winifred is the last surviving member of the class of 1937) and after attending Winona State Teacher's College, she began teaching at various one-room schoolhouses in the area. One such schoolhouse, in district #105, was at the end of the driveway belonging to the Monahan family. While teaching there Winifred met a school board member who ended up being the man of her dreams. His name was John Monahan, and they were smitten with each other almost immediately. After dating for a time Winifred and John soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together they were married on September 8, 1948, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone. When they met John had three children, Francis, Mary, and William, and together Winifred and John welcomed two children, Patricia and Anne, into their hearts and home as well. Around the house Winifred was a bustle of activity who was always on the go. She loved gardening and always had a large garden filled with nearly every vegetable and fruit imaginable. In addition to savoring her yield in season, she also did a lot of canning so her garden could be enjoyed year round. During later years her grandchildren came to pick the strawberries and raspberries. For years Winifred mowed the lawn using a non-motorized push mower, which is certainly no easy feat. In the kitchen her skills were unmatched, and she loved making a huge spread when family came to visit. Winifred loved being with family and there was nothing like being a grandmother in her book. Any time she had to spend with her grandchildren were some of the moments she cherished most. As her family and friends can attest, Winifred could bake like nobody's business. Among her favorite sweet treats were her apple pies that were known as the best around. Of course Winifred did take time to relax, too, and one of her favorite activities was reading. It was also important to her that her grandchildren become good readers. Winifred additionally kept her mind sharp doing crossword puzzles. Throughout her life her faith was a vibrant part of her life, and for as long as she was able Winifred walked to daily Mass, even while dealing with a broken hip. She was active at her church, too, as she was a lector and also taught CCD classes for many years. When living alone Winifred loved having the companionship of her dogs and cat. Someone who was truly beautiful in the inside and out, Winifred Monahan was a blessing to everyone she met. She was a selfless, caring, and thoughtful woman who never had an unkind word to say about anyone. With a vibrant personal faith, Winifred's life exemplified what it meant to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. Although she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home. Winifred A. Monahan, of Rollingstone, died Tuesday, February 17th, 2015, at Lake Winona Manor. Winifred's family includes her children, Mary Gernes, William (Lucy) Monahan, Patricia (Harold) Tucker, and Anne (Charlie) Kramer; grandchildren, Juliann, Michael, Dan, Lee, Vivian, Stephen, Berniece, Cletus, Jim, Mark, Jenny, Catherine, Brother Anthony OMF.CAP, Matthew, Meg, Katie, Molly, and Bridget; 40 great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Isabelle, Dick, Claire, Steve, Shirley, Mary, Beatrice, Jack, and Jean; and daughter-in-law, Lorraine Monahan. Winifred was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John, in 1981; son, Francis, in 2014; brother, Bob; and son-in-law, Jerome Gernes. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, February 20th, 2015, at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview with the Rosary at 5 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m., Saturday, February 21st at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone with visitation one hour prior. Reverend William Kulas will officiate. Winifred's pallbearers will be Dan Monahan, Matthew Monahan, Stephen Gernes, Lee Monahan, Paul Rader, and Mike Drazkowski. Winifred will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Cemetery in Winona.
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