Patrick Michael “Pat” Monahan, 75, of South Beloit, IL and Fort Myers, FL was welcomed into eternity on May 27, 2024. Patrick was born in Beloit, WI on July 9, 1948, to Willis and Margaret (Ferwerda) Monahan. In the eleven years following Pat’s birth, Willis and Margaret welcomed four additional baby boys into the family. At the age of 14, the oldest of five boys was thrust into the role of “man of the house” when his father, Willis, succumbed to colon cancer. Pat and his four brothers all attended Brother Dutton school before later graduating from Beloit Catholic High School. Upon graduation in 1966, Pat embarked on an academic journey with a four-year bachelor’s degree in his sights. After completing his first two years at the University of Wisconsin-Rock County, Pat transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Madison to earn his bachelor’s degree in business administration. On December 19, 1970, while still a student at UW-Madison, Pat married the love of his life, Sharon “Sherry” Mason. Pat and Sherry enjoyed a fifty-three-year marriage filled with faith, respect, laughter, and joy. No one could make Pat laugh as much or as hard as his beloved wife, Sherry; they were truly best friends. Over the years, Pat and Sherry welcomed two sons, Ryan and Sean, who would endlessly grow to make their parents proud, while occasionally testing the limits of their parents’ love.
After graduating in 1971, Pat went to work as a Customer Service Representative for a fastener manufacturing company in Rockford, IL called ELCO Industries. With a strong mechanical aptitude and analytical mind, Pat quickly rose through the ranks at ELCO, eventually becoming the second in command and Product Manager for ELCO’s Construction Products Division. As a familiar face at fastener-industry trade shows and a fixture in the fastener industry, Pat’s name appeared on a couple of patents. In 2008, after 36 years at ELCO Industries, the first chapter of Pat’s professional life came to an end when ELCO Industries was relocated out of state. Not yet ready for retirement, Pat was thrilled to get the opportunity to return to work for Brynolf Manufacturing, who he had worked with in the past. Pat retired in late 2018; he and Sherry splitting their time between South Beloit, IL and Fort Myers, FL.
Pat was a kind and compassionate husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Pat and Sherry’s home served as a central meeting place where Pat was the grill master eager to share good food and drink while discussing sports, current events, and politics. As a boat owner for more than 40 years, boating was another avenue for Pat and Sherry to spend time with loved ones. Pat was a Wisconsin Badgers football season ticket holder who missed fewer than six home games and attended multiple bowl games over the course of a 51-year period from 1968 to 2019. Pat’s passion for Wisconsin based teams didn’t stop there. He also loved the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. He shared his love of all things Wisconsin with his sons and grandchildren. Pat was a devout Catholic and member of St. Peter’s parish in South Beloit, IL. Pat served as a lector at St. Peter’s church and was a member of St. Peter’s Knights of Columbus, where he volunteered his time at countless events to raise money for charity. Pat loved his four grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Joseph, and Giuliana Monahan. In his later years, interacting with his grandchildren brightened his day; whether it was attending a sporting event or a school function, grandpa was always there.
Survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sherry Monahan; his children, Ryan (Elizabeth) Monahan and Sean Monahan; his grandchildren Michael, Matthew, Joseph, and Giuliana Monahan; his brothers Dennis (Cathy) Monahan, Tim Monahan, and Brian (Mary) Monahan, his sisters-in-law, Gail Monahan and Vicki King, his brother-in-law, Norm Rotblat; nieces and nephews, James (Jennifer) Carratt, Donald Carratt, Robert (Sara) McClain, Mark (Wendy) Rotblat, Kate (Brett) Whitacre, Meghan (Michael) O’Hara, Brianne, Bridget, Maureen, and Allison Monahan; many great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, his brother, Terry (Gail) Monahan, his nephew Richard Mason Carratt, and great nephew Robert McClain Jr.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 737 Hackett Street, Beloit, WI 53511 with Father Bart celebrating. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass on Tuesday at the church.
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