Mark T. Monahan

Our instructions say we must tell you this: Mark T. Monahan, 68, of Madison, Wis., passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at home surrounded by his loved ones. He graced this earth, Madison, Wis., to be exact, on November 2, 1949. His beaming parents Walter T. Monahan and Marianna (Hernan) Monahan were overjoyed. We now jump from birth to marriage. Mark married Christa M. Niebuhr on October 23, 1971. A little bit about in-between birth and marriage. Mark graduated from Edgewood High School in 1967, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps immediately and served until 1970, he was a Vietnam Veteran and was honorably discharged. But now as his wife I would like to share this, Marks life was devoted to his family, supporting their endeavors, guiding their journeys, yet allowing for their discoveries that they might empower themselves. He was full of life, a hard worker, always had a great sense of humor, was ready to laugh and make the best of any given situation. While on his journey through life he made many friends and formed everlasting bonds, family as he said. He received numerous awards as a Super Partner in A. L. Williams (now Primerica Financial Services) and was often called upon to speak at A. L. Williams events on the importance of partnership. As a husband he could make me laugh in good times as well as hard times, he knew how to push my buttons, then would look at me with that impish twinkle in his eyes, which of course would neutralize the button pushing and make me call him a brat! But enough from me, I believe our children have captured in words their dad, my husband, your brother or friend, the MAN Mark Monahan: Dad taught me how to be a good man in many ways. As a child my father was a model for morality, priorities and love. How to love your family, your friends, yourself was paramount to Mark. He set an example that I tried my best to follow. His intuition used to leave me baffled. He always knew what to say in just the right way. With very few words I felt heard, understood and loved all at once. As I grew into adulthood my relationship with Dad evolved into one of the best friendships anyone could ask for. It was these years I learned to see him as I always will in my mind. Strength, resilience and yet more love. Dad has an eternal fire that burns in his soul. I never saw him start a fight, but I did see him end more than a few with his sharp gaze and quick wit. Then he would turn around crack a joke and we would all double over in laughter. Which leads me to one of my favorite gifts, the Markisms. Dad spoke his own language. One that was ever evolving, yet at his core of existence. His ability to produce rhyme out of thin air was quite a thing to behold. That coupled with his made up words or sounds always made interacting with him a special treat, especially when things got crazy. And we all know there is no shortage of CRAZY in this family! I am reminded of a time when we were grilling out behind the apartment in Middleton. The propane tank had gone out . . . . . . . almost. As dad went to change tanks the flame chased down the gas to the tank creating an improvised flame thrower/bomb. Noah, Jim and myself were deep into thoughtful conversation, when out of nowhere dad yells RUUUUNNNNN!!!! At once the three of us look over to see him in a ball of fire, frantically trying to shut the valve on the tank. And he did, Ill never forget his next words, DONT TELL YOUR MOTHER. I can still hear him laughing, that infectious laughter that seemed to follow him wherever he went. If you ever needed to find him at a gathering or party, there were two sure fire methods: 1) looks for the biggest circle of people or go to the loudest laughter and you would most certainly find him there, surrounded by his family, friends and loved ones. And here we are, so take not with you sorrow for your loss but instead remember him in laughter and good times. Dad I live my life with love, humor, strength and humility. I take with me the lessons and laughter between a father and a son. A son/daughter forever grateful to have you as a father. Mark lives on through his wife Christa; daughters, Melissa (Chuck) Gordon, Kya (Travis) Quillen, Morgan Farringer; sons, Luke (Susan), Noah (Angela) Miller; grandchildren, Cody Gordon, Logan Gordon, Evan Quillen, Declan Monahan, Molly Monahan, Liam Miller and Eamon Miller; sisters, Sharon Johnson (Neil Danz), Kim (Rich) Mayer, Kelly (Kirk) LaHaie; many loved nieces, nephews, cousins; father-in-law, Arnold Niebuhr; sister-in-law, Julie Delkamp; and not by blood but by love, Verna and Dave Carlson, Jason Herdendorf and Stacy Wilcox, who have always been family to us. And its our belief Mark was welcomed home by his parents, Walter and Marianna Monahan; sister-in-law, Aleta Niebuhr; mother-in-law, Hilda Niebuhr; and his beloved dogs, Pharo, Spencer, Elliott, Maisey and Monte. Mark Monahan, husband, dad, provider, rock, graddy and friend, may you be cradled in Our Fathers arms as you are held lovingly in our hearts. A memorial gathering will be held at ALL FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 4058 Lien Rd., Madison, on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. A time of remembrance with military honors will begin at 1 p.m. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com