Ira F. Monroe Jr.

Ira F. Monroe, Jr. passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Monday, November 18, 2024 at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria, where he was reunited with his wife of 72 years. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather during his faithful life of 98 years. Ira was born on December 9, 1925 on a farm in Hanna City, a son of Ira F. Monroe, Sr. and Myrtle (Bontz) Monroe. He was the youngest of five children, Alice (Paul) Thompson, James (Eloise) Monroe, Eva (Chuck) Hudson and Eunice Riekena, who all preceded him in death as well as one brother-in-law, Richard (Marian) Rosenbaum. Marian survives as well as several nieces and nephews.

A blind date led to love and his marriage to Virginia Rosenbaum on October 9, 1949 at First English Lutheran Church in Peoria where they continued as members. Virginia preceded him in death on October 31, 2021 in Peoria.

Ira's daughter Janis (William) Russell of Peoria; two grandchildren, Brad (Leann) Russell of Fishers, Indiana and Shelley (Gideon) Bicksler of Peoria; and five great-grandchildren, Levi, Jonah, Kelsey, Blake and Quinn were his crown of glory.

Early in life, Ira learned how to work hard on the farm. He attended a one room schoolhouse where he skipped a couple of grades for getting good marks. At age 12, he attended and then graduated from Manual High School. Ira served in the US Army during WWII as a Morse code operator. He was on his way by ship to Okinawa when word came that the war was over. His duty continued in Okinawa for another year before returning home. Ira worked at Producers Dairy as a pasteurizer after moving to Peoria in 1953. He worked as a health inspector for the Peoria County Health Department twenty years before retiring.

Ira and Virginia set an excellent example of a godly marriage in their 72 years. They enjoyed camping, playing pinochle, Peoria Chiefs games, and researching the Monroe genealogy. They rarely missed a family sporting event. Ira was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved working in his backyard vegetable garden. Ira was the definition of a humble, kind, and patient man. Virginia always said he was "the best husband ever" and he was the best Dad ever too. He will be missed.

Ira's funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at First English Lutheran Church in Peoria with a visitation one hour prior to service. Rev. Ryan H. Anderson will officiate. Burial will take place in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria with full military honors.

Memorials may be made to First English Lutheran Church at https://www.felcpeoria.org/stewardship-appeal-2024/ or Peoria Christian School at https://www.peoriachristian.org/giving

Online condolences may be shared with Ira's family at www.Davison-Fulton.com