"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you celebrate your mother, grandmother and great grandmothers life. Reading about her gentle fun loving spirit reminds us of how wonderful she was. She was a great person who left a powerful legacy of family! Larry and Janis Pottorff "
In loving memory of
Monica J. Regan
September 15, 1928 - October 22, 2018
Monica Joyce (Martin) Regan was born on September 15, 1928 in Oakdale, Nebraska, daughter of Edward and Mary (Ramaekers) Martin. She was the fifth of eight children including 2 sisters and 5 brothers. Monica "went home" and entered into eternal peace on October 22, 2018 at Good Samaritan's in Red Oak, Iowa.
Growing up in rural Nebraska on a farm, Monica attended country school and 3 years of high school at Albion, Nebraska. When her parents moved to Imogene, Iowa half-way through her junior year, Monica stayed with an elderly couple to finish out the year. After moving to be with her parents in Imogene, Monica's senior year of high school was spent studying and making new friends, one of which was a young man named Robert "Doc" Regan. Being the charismatic Irishman, he asked her on a few dates and charmingly nicknamed her the "Nebraska Hayseed".
Monica graduated from St. Patrick's Academy in May of 1946 and Doc was off to serve in the Navy. The many classes Monica studied in high school provided her the skills needed to enter the workforce. She began working at KMA Radio in the office as a bashful, but hard-working employee for 2 years. Monica had many friends in Shenandoah and Imogene, but was patiently waiting for Doc to return from the service.
On March 31, 1948, Monica, being the beautiful bride, was united in marriage to Robert "Doc" Regan at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah, Iowa. After a small reception, they headed back to work the Regan family farm in Imogene. Doc and Monica raised 4 children on the farm and always welcomed family and friends to drop-in for a glass of iced tea. Monica was a devoted, hard-working farm wife. In her later years on the farm, she would help Doc restore antique tractors.
Monica loved the outdoors and loved working on the farm, planting vegetable gardens, harvesting, canning, and nurturing many farm animals. Everybody loved her apple butter, oatmeal cookies, and homemade chicken noodle soup. She enjoyed vacations in Minnesota, playing card games especially pitch and gin rummy, sitting on the swing with a soft, gentle breeze, and playing with her grandchildren. Many miles were put on her car going to sporting events cheering on her kids and grandkids. Monica's hand-made quilts will continue to provide her warmth and love to many family members for years to come.
She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene and was active in Altar Society. Monica was a devoted Catholic and a faith-filled woman. Her humbleness and kindness will live in the hearts of family and friends forever.
Monica was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband Robert, granddaughter Shannon Regan, brothers Vincent, Edward and Marvin, and sister Elaine.
Survivors include Monica's four children; Jerry Regan and his wife Patricia of North Carolina, Megan McIntyre and her husband Rod of Boulder, Colorado, Terry Regan and his wife Kathy of Shenandoah, Iowa and Mary Jo Osborne and her husband Jerry of Littleton, Colorado; grandchildren; many great grandchildren; three siblings; Norbert Martin and wife Katy of Shenandoah, IA, Ronald Martin and wife Barbara of Green Valley AZ, and Mary Ann Collins of Minneapolis, MN; special friend and roommate Lois Kindig; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, October 27, 2018 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene.
Visitation with the family will be held from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm, with a prayer service starting at 7:30 pm, on Friday, October 26, 2018 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene.
Memorials may be directed to the St. Patrick's Catholic Church or St. Croix Hospice.
Burial will be held at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Imogene.
Tributes
"I remember Monica and the entire Martin family from when I was a young child growing up in the Coin area. My Mom and Dad would platy cards with Ed and Mary Martin. Also my folks worked with Monica's husband "Doc" at Union Carbide in Red Oak, Iowa. He was quite a character and Monica could never have had a dull moment in her life with him. I remember my mom saying that they loved one another deeply. My mom and dad were Stanley and Lesta Exceen. They thought the world of all of the Martin family and loved "Doc" also. Many very good memories of the family and of working at Union Carbide. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. God bless you all and comfort your hearts. June Exceen Miller"
"Jennifer, We are so sorry for the loss of your grandmother! Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! Love & Hugs, Rusty & Darla Bridges, Lowell, NC"
"My heart is sad. Monica treated me as one of her own while I was growing up on an neighboring farm. My prayers go out to the family."
"I met Monica at Good Samaritan Society of Red Oak while serving on the Advisory Board and Christian Care Endowment Committee. Monica would be at dinner chatting with her table mates when we would come in for meetings. I looked forward to visiting with her as she always had a peaceful smile and a nice comment. I remember when Todd, one of the Administrators made it his mission to get her on the hot air balloon for a ride, she couldn't stop smiling! I giggle thinking about her as she had such joy and fun, just like a dream come true for Monica. I am richer for knowing her and blessed by her gentle faith and kindness. My deepest sympathies to you all. Kim Ellis . "
"Oh what wonderful memories I have of this fun sweet lady! I will cherish them forever! My heart breaks for all of you....... Judy Williams "
"Prayers to all the family, she was a very good person. Mary Rose(Perkins)Shedd "
"Monica and Doc provided many great times with the gatherings at their farm. Monica had the ability to make all feel special. What a fine family they raised. Our prayers go out to the family. So sorry we can't attend the rosary or funeral. Ed and Rosalie Regan"
"My love and prayers are with each of you!"
"Sorry to hear of your Moms death she was a wonderful lady."
"So sorry to hear of Aunt Monica's passing. She was a lovely lady and I loved to visit the farm...especially on the 4th Of July. She nursed me back to health after getting heat stroke on one visit. She was so sweet and kind. Loved her. Rest in peace with "Doc" !!! Steve Regan"
"Monica was one nice lady! Will be gone for her services. Doug and I are sending our sympathy and prayers . Love to all the family . "
"Monica is with Doc now.. where she always wanted to be. She was a loving person and always good to our family. She will be missed."
" Very nice lady and always enjoyed visiting with her and Doc at Tax time. Our prayers are with the family who I know will miss her."
"My thoughts and prayers are with you all "
"So sorry to hear about Monica.. She was a very sweet and caring lady. Ina and Lyle Nelson Jr. "