John Monroe

John Laverne Monroe, 97, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

John was born in Clinton, IA on November 4, 1927 to John E. and Ida May Monroe and attended St. Mary’s Catholic High School and upon graduation enlisted in the Navy, June of 1945. Upon his return, he attended Loras College and graduated from the University of Iowa, beginning his career as a pharmaceutical representative for USV Pharmaceuticals. With his humor and love of the written word, he enjoyed referencing himself as Willie Loman from “Death of a Salesman”.

John was united in marriage to Marilyn McAllister on August 7, 1954 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt. They soon became the loving parents of five children. With his impeccable wit he enjoyed the joke that asks a man… If he had the chance to do it over again, would he still have five children?  The man responds “Oh, yes…but not these five!” Their home was filled with humor and music along with a lot of Irish charm! They continued their fun and loving partnership for 65 years.

John thought it impossible to live a life without music. The house or car was rarely without him humming, whistling or singing softly to himself. He was particularly fond of the musical “I Do, I Do” and its timeless lyrics – “In only a moment we both will be old. We won’t even notice the world turning cold. And so, in this moment, with sunlight above, my cup runneth over with love.”

John was a sincere, caring person who left a lasting impression on those he met. He was remarkably sharp and quick, always ready with a witty response up until the end (and yes, Dad…the Big End). They have both left us with only beautiful memories…

He is survived by his children: J.C./John (Deborah) Monroe, Mary Jeanne (Roger) Gerdes, Brian Monroe, Maura (Scott) VanderWal, and Mark (Nancy) Monroe; grandchildren: Sean (Alison Ryley) Gerdes, Michael (Ashley) Monroe, Ryan (Lama) Gerdes, Patrick (Kelly) Gerdes, Elizabeth Monroe Weekly, Andrew (Courtney) Monroe, Erin Monroe, Rose VanderWal, Molly (Bjørn) Monroe, Maggie Monroe and John VanderWal; great-grandchildren: Zachary, Hunter, Audrey and James.

Marilyn preceded him in death in 2020.

A Catholic Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church in DeWitt on Friday September 19th with a visitation at 10:00 and an 11:00 mass following. His family will lay him to rest at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

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