Anne Monk

Anne Monk, 83, of Barrett, surrounded by her loving family, went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, September 20, 2009 at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria, Minnesota. She was born March 29, 1926, near Fessenden, ND, the seventh of twelve children born to Patrick and Mary (Janisch) O’Neill. She attended school in Fessenden and worked in the rations office. On April 22, 1946, Anne was united in marriage to William Richard Monk. They farmed near Fessenden for many years before moving to Barrett, Minnesota in 1967.  Later in life she worked for many years as a nursing assistant and a home health care provider. Anne was an incredible matriarch. After her husband Billy’s death in 1971, Anne single-handedly raised their 11 children, laying a moral foundation and establishing a strong sense of family in each child. She stressed the importance of education and instilled a love of reading. Whether it was repairing a leaky faucet, winning at Pinochle or Password, or the infamous auto body work, Anne was the epitome of the common sense can-do attitude. She was a devoted member of St. Olaf Catholic Church in Elbow Lake since 1967. Next to spending time with her family, Anne loved nothing more than reading a good book or sharing a cup of coffee and good conversation with friends at the Barrett Inn or Rolling Hills.  Preceding her in death were her husband, parents, ten siblings, and one grandson. Anne will be deeply missed by her surviving children, Donna Zirbel of Nevada, IA, Wynne (John) Stranberg of Sheboygan, WI, Barb (Doyle) Kauffman of Chariton, IA, Curtis (Susan) Monk of Boone, IA, Gary (Alison) Monk of Wexford, PA, Karen (Bryan) Morlock of Fergus Falls, MN, Cindy (Steven) Ward of Cody, WY, Mitzi (George) Lawrence of Costa Mesa, CA, Marcy (Kevin) Klejeski of Pinewood, MN, Morey (Christine) Monk of Winner, SD, and Lori Sue (Brian) Stern of Bridgeport, CT. She is further survived by 34 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, one sister, Virginia O’Neill of Overland Park, KS, and many nieces and nephews.  Her family will remember her as a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Camp Dellwater or the American Cancer Society. Camp Dellwater is a Christian camp run by her daughter Marcy’s family to help kids find Jesus. Memorials may be sent to Curt Monk at 2011 170TH Street, Boone, IA 50036. Visitation:   One hour prior to the service at the church Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m. Thursday, September 24, 2009 at St. Olaf Catholic Church in Elbow Lake, MN Clergy:   Father Arlie Sowada Interment:    Heaton Cemetery in Heaton, North Dakota Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com