Texas Jack Monroe

Texas Jack Monroe, 80, of Wadsworth, Illinois, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026 at home. He was born on March 23, 1946, in Valentine, Nebraska to Elmer and Ruth (Bailey) Monroe.

He attended Valentine High School and graduated in 1964. Go Badgers!

Following high school, he attended the University of Nebraska for one fun year! He then joined the U.S. Navy. He did his basic training in San Diego, California, then transferred to Great Lakes, Illinois where he became a dental technician. While at Great Lakes, he met the love of his life, Catherine Ann Hogan. He spent his final year in the Navy stationed on the USS Bushnell in Key West, Florida.

After concluding his military service, he returned to the University of Nebraska to complete his pharmacy degree. He graduated in 1975 and moved to Illinois to begin his career as a pharmacist. The family moved from Richton Park, Illinois to Mundelein, Illinois and finally settled in Catherine's childhood home in Wadsworth, Illinois in 1986 where they became active members of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

After retiring from a pharmacy career spanning more than thirty years, Jack kept busy as a driver's education instructor, a substitute teacher, and a prison pharmacy inspector. He even renewed his pharmacy license in 2020 to administer vaccinations at nursing homes and adult residential facilities in Wisconsin.

Jack's greatest accomplishment and joy was his family. He was a proud husband, father, father-in-law, and Papa. He was always willing to help with any move or project. He was more than eager to attend the sports, fine arts, and school events for all of his grandchildren. In addition to his deep love for his family, Jack enjoyed beekeeping, gardening, woodworking, his loyal dog Emmie, tractors, tools, Nebraska, the Cubs, and the Huskers (Go Big Red!) He loved returning to his beloved Valentine to visit and work on the family farm and spend time with his Nebraska relatives.

In addition to his cherished wife of 58 years, Catherine Ann, Jack is survived by his son Christopher (Maria) Monroe, his 3 daughters: Lynne (Nick Flammini) Monroe, Lori (James) Johnson and Rebecca (John) Garretson; 10 grandchildren: Aidan, Carina and August Monroe, Amanda (Grant Fitzgerald), Morgan, and Zach Timmerman, Jimmie and Ian Johnson, and Grace and TJ Garretson; his sister, Diana (Ed) Speicher, his aunt, Pat Monroe, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Joseph Patrick Monroe, and his parents Elmer and Ruth Monroe.

Jack's generosity, kindness, gentle teasing, warmth, and soft spirit touched countless lives, and even those who knew him for only a short time were impacted by the positive impression he left behind.

Visitation for Texas Jack will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd, Zion, II 60099. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 15000 Wadsworth Rd, Wadsworth, II 60083. Interment and military honors to take place at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to FSHD Society. https://www.fshdsociety.org