Jerald Eugene Monaghan (2017)

BEARD, BLAISDELL, MONAGHAN, WESTLUND

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler
Date: 3/28/2025 at 06:49:29

Des Moines Register
April 9, 2017

Seattle, WA

Jerald Eugene Monaghan passed away March 22, 2017 in his Seattle, WA home after a long and fierce battle with COPD. He will be sorely missed by his wife, Susan Westlund; son, Joel Monaghan; stepsons, Michael Beard, Jesse and Eric Blaisdell; brother, Donald Monaghan; grandchildren, Matthew, Brianna, and Alyssa Monaghan; sisters-in-law, Elaine Monaghan and Leah Westlund; as well as nephews, cousins and many friends. He was 69 years old.

Jerry was nicknamed "The Professor" among his railroad buddies at the Chicago North Western and Union Pacific Railroads where he worked for 33 years, A quick and independent learner, he taught himself photography, astronomy, and guitar among many other interesting and practical things while riding the rails as a conductor.

Forever curious, Jerry often pushed limits. The boy who was thrilled to receive a dictionary for Christmas, also built and raced motorcycles in his teens. He loved the roar of engines and the smell of nitro at drag races. He practiced aerobatics in small planes across the Midwest and off the coast of Florida, spinning in nosedives over the beach.

He was the photographer, gadget guy, and "living encyclopedia" of many topics. An early adopter of the personal computer, he became the IT person for his family and friends; and he remained the conductor, a guardian of those he loved and of all that for which he was responsible.

Most importantly, Jerry was a friend. He was honest, unpretentious and available to people he loved. With 43 years sobriety, he was always ready to help others recover. He helped support two children in developing countries and gave to the Red Cross and the Make-a-Wish foundation. In recent years, he became passionate about politics, donating to political candidates and joining the ACLU.

A celebration of Jerry's life will take place in Des Moines, Iowa on his birthday, May 28, 2017 in the community room of Franklin Field Apartments, 5250 Franklin Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310. He joins his parents, Verna and John Monaghan, his brother, Michael Monaghan, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as his AA sponsor and beloved friend, Dorothy Cunningham in the realm of pure spirit.