returning to the states they moved to Texas where she worked doing habitat restoration for the Fish and Wildlife Service. On August 28, 1998 they married in Weslaco, Texas. In 2006, Monica and her family moved to Polk City, Iowa where they have resided and raised their family ever since. In Iowa she was the State Wetland Coordinator for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. She belonged to the Polk City United Methodist Church. Monica was very active and full of life. She loved spending time with her family, watching and playing sports, water skiing, snow skiing, travel, camping, hiking, snorkeling, painting, attending her kids' activities, singing, gardening, botany, and crocheting. Those left to cherish her loving memory are her husband Steven Monk; children Rio, Maya, and Talula Monk; parents Gail and Evelyn Petersen; sisters Melody (Michael Blood) Petersen and Michele (Todd) Rausch; brother Matthew (Dana Coleman) Petersen; in-laws David and Janet Monk; brother-in-law David (Kari) Monk; sisters-in-law Carol Monk and Terri (Joseph) Gureno. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Monica Monk Memorial Fund. Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care in Polk City have been entrusted with the care of Monica and her family.