Obituary of Bernard J. Monahan

Monahan, Bernard J.

April 21, 1938 – February 6, 2021

Bernard Monahan, 82, Edina, MN, formerly of Winona, MN, passed away on February 6, 2021. He was surrounded by family and friends in his final days. Preceded in death by parents, Abraham and Delores, son Bryan and his furry friends Jacque, Max, Mittens and Sam. Survived by wife of 55 yrs. Louise (Daun), best pal Winston; Grandson Owen; Daughter-in-law Jennifer of Elk River; Sisters Paula Jonsgaard of Winona; Diane (Mona) of St. Paul; Brother Eugene of Washington; Ralph G. of Winona, who passed on March 1, 2021; Sister-in-law Janice (Daun) Jennings of New Brighton who passed February 25, 2021 and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Bernie had a passion for design; from fashion, to display, to Interior design and floral décor.  He had an eye for hanging pictures that would always be level when challenged by his clients.  He would walk into a room and visualize a better flow of where the furniture should be placed.  His final comment was when he was moved into hospice, he told me that they needed to paint the ceiling and the drapes had to go!

His second passion was music.  Singing Karaoke, which his sister, Paula, introduced him to.  He sang at locations in the Twin Cities, such as Mancinies, as well as in Winona and Rochester with friends.  He had a complete system set up in the lower level of his home and would have summer parties in door and outside.  He enjoyed Dixieland Jazz, the Big Band sounds, as well as Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra and Rod Stewart, who sang the old standards.

He would spend hours with his pal, Winston, watching the birds, especially the humming birds during the summer.                                 

We will miss his one liners and names he would give people if he didn’t know who they were, and even if he did.

Our thanks to our neighbor, Jim, who was always willing to help whenever Bernie would call.  Whether it be something he wanted help with or just to share a drink with good company.

Please join us for a celebration of Bernie's life at The Cremation Society of Minnesota - Edina, 7110 France Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435 on Friday, April 23, 2021 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm to share memories with family and friends. Bernie loved a good party filled with love, laughter, and music. 

Private Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.