An extraordinary-ordinary man has passed away leaving a huge void in the lives of his family and friends.  Wayne Monthei, 84, spent his entire life in Greene County, Iowa, farming and raising a large family.

Wayne was born May 22, 1925, to Albert and Anna Monthei and died of cancer on January 11, 2010.  After graduating from Jefferson High School, he farmed and raised livestock with his father and brother west of Jefferson.  In his later years, he especially enjoyed driving trucks, first across the country, then for local farmers.

Wayne married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Healy, on February 21, 1946, and moved into the home where they would spend 64 wonderful years together. Grandchildren who spent the night at The Farm loved waking up to the sounds of Grandpa and Grandma quietly visiting over coffee out in the kitchen.  And how the grandchildren loved staying at The Farm!  The memories of that magical place will forever be a part of their lives.

He took great pride in the eight children he raised and the 40 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren that followed. (The 70th family member is due this week.)  He is survived by his wife, Patsy, his eight children, Pam (Ron) Chesler of Longmont CO, John (Robin) Monthei of Firestone, CO, Tom (Deb) Monthei of Jefferson, Muriel Lehman of Panora, Cindy (Tom) Schwager of Cascade IA, Laurie (Jim) Wyckoff of Cedar Falls IA, Angie (John) Wiggins of Jefferson, and Mike Monthei of Panora, and his sister Gladys Moranville of Des Moines.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Linda, his parents, brothers Fred and Bane, and a very special son-in-law, Dan Lehman.

In his later years, going for coffee with his friends was a highlight of his days.  At the coffee shop he would get all the local gossip, whether it be true or not.  After he got sick in October, he joked that he should call out to Sparky’s to check with the boys to see just how sick he really was and if he had died yet. 

He loved a good story or a good joke and his family has a huge volume of “Waynisms” that they’ll carry with them and treasure the rest of their lives.

Visitation for Wayne will be Thursday at St. Joseph’s Parish Center in Jefferson from 10 am until 8 pm with the family present from 5 to 8. A vigil service will be held at 7 that night.  Funeral services will be Friday, January 15 at 10:30 at St. Joseph’s Church in Jefferson. Burial of the cremains will be at a later date.

We know there are many great “Wayne” stories and special memories out there and we would love to hear them. Please email them to MAL4523@yahoo.com.