Obituaries : Dr. Joseph Leonard Monahan III

Dr. Joseph Leonard Monahan III, age 67, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at his home. 

He was born on April 14, 1957, to Dr. Joseph Leonard Monahan Jr. and Betty Lou (Shanahan) Monahan in Clinton, Iowa. Joseph graduated from Clinton High School and initially pursued an education in engineering, inspired by his childhood hero Lt Cmdr Montgomery "Scotty" Scott. However, his career path led him to discover a passion for medicine. He completed his undergraduate education at Coe College, attended Des Moines Osteopathic College for medical school, and completed his specialty in Family Medicine at the Cedar Rapids Family Medicine Residency Program in 1990. His career began in Vinton, IA, and later found its most rewarding phase in the Clinton Mercy Emergency Department. In 2018, he returned to Family Medicine at Medical Associates, which his father founded and later became part of MercyOne.

Joseph married Karen Sue Foley in August 1984, though they later divorced. She preceded him in death in 2021. He is survived and will lovingly be remembered by his daughter Kelly Marie Douglas (Jason), his sisters Patricia "Trish" Ann Monahan (William Lane) and Maureen Frances Monahan (Jonathan), nephews William Jennings Lane and Max Joseph Monahan Arons, and his granddaughter Emma Josephine Douglas. He also leaves behind his faithful companion, Bella, Kelly's labrador retriever who stayed by his side until his passing.

Joseph's early fascination with engineering and electronics reflected his lifelong curiosity and mechanical aptitude. He enjoyed dismantling and rebuilding computers, handling home electrical repairs, and fixing whatever he could get his hands on. A native of Clinton, he instilled his love for the Mississippi River in his daughter, spending summers together exploring its shores in Wisconsin to Minnesota. His pride in Kelly, later his granddaughter Emma, was evident to everyone who knew him.

Known for his dry wit, straightforward honesty, and kindness, Joseph affected many lives. In his humility, he frequently underestimated the profound impact he had on others.  His upbringing fostered a belief in reciprocal kindness, often expressed through small gestures that meant a great deal to others. His dedication to his patients was unwavering, a testament to his caring nature and sense of responsibility.

A celebration of his life will be held from 5:00 to 7:00PM, Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to attend the celebration of the life of Joseph Monahan. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercy Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed by visiting snellzornig.com.