Philip J. Monahan

Philip J. Monahan, 90, of Beaver Dam passed away on Saturday, September 29, 2018. He has joined his wife Joyce and son Greg in heaven and will live in eternity next to our dear Lord. Philip John was born the son of John Philip and Alice (Olson) Monahan in Shawano, WI. Philip was married to the love of his life, Joyce Swanke on February 11, 1950 in Berlin, WI. He attended Omro High School his freshman year and was a graduate of Berlin High School. Phil proudly held the conference track record for the fastest mile for almost 20 years. He enjoyed planning both the Omro and Berlin High School class reunions and just attended the 72nd Berlin High School class reunion this past summer. Phil worked side by side with his wife Joyce in all their professional endeavors. They lived in a number of cities and owned, operated and managed many businesses in the funeral services industry. Phil retired at age 70 when they moved to Beaver Dam, WI to be close to family. In less than approximately six months, the “salesman extraordinaire” came out of retirement. Phil found a temporary sales job that eventually led to a partnership with an Appleton based monument company and he opened up Beaver Dam Monuments, which he was still proudly working at daily up until two weeks ago. Phil was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Beaver Dam. He loved spending time with his family. He called his brothers and sisters on a weekly basis to tell them he loved them. Phil was especially proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved watching his great grandson play football in college and beyond. He lived for the annual summer vacation with family at Silvercryst. He cherished his once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ireland. Phil always made sure to find time for his daily happy hour and Sunday Brunch. He loved his Brewers and was drinking along with them as they clinched the playoff spot. Phil longed to be dancing to Lawrence Welk again with Joyce… Phil is survived by his daughter, Peggy (Gary) Broome of Beaver Dam; his four grandchildren: Tara Cordes of Madison, Erin Broome of Beaver Dam, Jennifer (Jonathon) Kelly and Jill Monahan both of Pittsburgh, PA; his great-grandchildren: R.J. Shelton of Beaver Dam, Electra Cordes of Madison, and Gregory Kelly, Addy Kelly, Bo Kelly and Anna Kelly all of Pittsburgh; his sisters and brother: Phyllis Davis, Merle (Cindy) Monahan, Shirley (Tom) Resheski and Darlene (Gibby) Krentz; his daughter-in-law, Janice (Lee) Roberts; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joyce in 2016, son Gregory Monahan; brothers and sisters: Kermit Monahan, Keith Monahan, Delores “Sis” Fisher, Beverly Johnston, Hugh “Sonny” Monahan, Jim Monahan and Pat Monahan; and his grandson-in-law, Holger Cordes. A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Beaver Dam from 11:00 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m. The Rev. Michael Erwin will officiate. Entombment will take place at Lake View Memorial Park, Oshkosh the following day. The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.