Robert "Bob" John Monahan

Robert “Bob” John Monahan, the son of Lyle and Eleanor (Coleman) Monahan, was born December 16, 1955, at the Audubon County Memorial Hospital in Audubon, Iowa and died November 8, 2020, at the Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 64 years, 10 months, and 22 days.

Bob was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon, Iowa. He attended the Audubon Community Schools, graduating with the High School Class of 1974. Bob then studied at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, where he played on the football team. He graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Bob returned to the Audubon Community Schools where he taught Elementary Physical Education, K-6 and coached boys’ basketball, boys’ track, and co-ed cross-country.

On May 30, 1981, he was united in marriage to Janell Parsons at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Audubon, Iowa. They were blessed with three children: Erin, Robbi, and Riley. Bob coached for more than 18 years, compiling an impressive win/loss record.

In November of 2011, he married Diane Maschino at their home in Audubon, Iowa. Bob continued teaching, and during the summers he had a paint crew that painted houses and other buildings. He retired in June of 2014, and they moved to Lake Okoboji. Bob substitute taught and worked several other jobs until he completely retired and enjoyed playing golf and boating. Diane died from cancer in 2017.

Bob continued golfing and boating at the lake. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. Bob enjoyed dancing and attending the many live music concerts. He met his girlfriend, Marilyn Rowe, at a concert, and together they enjoyed traveling to her home in California, as well as traveling to Hawaii and Mexico.

Bob was a special uncle to his many nieces and nephews and a wonderful brother to his siblings. His greatest joy was having his family and his children visit him, especially his grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Diane Monahan; his parents; and his infant brother, Pat Monahan.

Survivors include his children: Erin and husband T.J. Bouda of Ankeny, Iowa; Robbi and husband Kevin Wittrock of Audubon, Iowa; and Riley and wife Emily Monahan of Lakeville, Minnesota; his grandchildren: Jack and Kate Bouda, both of Ankeny; Mia, Eli, and Emmet Wittrock, all of Audubon; and Brooks and Brody Monahan, both of Lakeville; his girlfriend, Marilyn Rowe of Huntington Beach, California; his brothers and sister: Mark and wife Kathleen Monahan of Severna Park, Maryland; Kathy and husband Thomas Ainsworth of Portland, Maine; Pat and wife Jan Monahan of Spirit Lake, Iowa; and Tom and Barb Monahan of Hutchinson, Kansas; his step-children, Ty, Tad, and Taylor Maschino; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

The family will meet with friends Thursday evening, November 12, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon, Iowa. The family requests that everyone attending the visitation to please wear a mask. A private family Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted by Father David Nkrumah at a later date. Inurnment will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery south of Audubon, Iowa. The honorary casket bearers will be Riley Monahan, Mark Monahan, Pat Monahan, Tom Monahan, Thomas Ainsworth, T.J. Bouda, and Kevin Wittrock.