John "Jack" Monks

John Fredrick 'Jack' Monks 79, of Mapleton, passed away at 6:35 am Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Hallmark Nursing Center in Pekin. Jack was born September 25, 1935 to George Fredrick and Mary Evelyn (McCullough) Monks.He married Patricia 'Patti' Jankowski on August 4, 1984 in Peoria. Surviving are his wife, Patti; one son, William Monks of Mapleton; three daughters Kelly McKinzie of Columbia, MO, Erin Patterson of Lincoln, MO, and Megan Monks of Mapleton; two grandchildren, Samantha Plank and Morgan Patterson; three sisters, Marlene Fahnders of Green Valley, JoAnn (Jack) Gibson, Cheryl Monks both of Glasford; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and three brothers. He was employed with Keystone Steel and Wire for 21 years. Jack was a lifelong resident of Mapleton.He graduated as class valedictorian from Timber Township High School Class of 1953.He served in the United States Army both active and reserve duty.He served during the Vietnam era.He attended Illinois Central College and Bradley University.He was inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi January 1, 1974.This accomplishment of being in the prestigious Honor Society was very important to him. From May 1975 he continued his membership and remained active in that organization.Jack graduated from Bradley University in May 1975 with high honors.While working at Keystone he attended both colleges part time for many years.He started working at Illini Bluffs Unit District 327 in September 1975.He was employed as a 6th grade teacher for 30 years, primarily teaching science, math and social studies.During his 30 year tenure at Illini Bluffs he coached boy's baseball and basketball. He retired from Illini Bluffs in May 2005. Jack was very community oriented, serving as the Mapleton Village Treasurer for 47 years.Regretfully, he had to resign from this position when he became ill several years ago.Recently in his retirement he served as building rental chairman for the American Legion Post 35.He also served as funeral honor guard for many years.He loved his Post #35 and was honored to have served in the United States Army. Upon Patti's retirement he and Patti began attending the Peoria Area Retired Teacher Association's (PARTA) luncheons on a monthly basis and he also was a member of Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA). Jack was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Michael Andrejek officiating.Visitation will be from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr., Pekin with additional visitation from 9:00 am to 9:45 am Wednesday at the church prior to Mass.Recitation of Rosary will be Tuesday at 3:15 pm at the funeral home.Burial will be at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Mapleton with Military Honors provided by American Legion Post #35 ceremonial team. Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church Organ Fund or American Cancer Society. Cemetery Maple Ridge Cemetery 9507 W. Mapleridge Road Mapleton,IL 61547 Rosary Service Tuesday, May 19, 2015 3:15 PM delete Pekin,IL 61554 Service Wednesday, May 20, 2015 10:00 AM St. Joseph's Catholic Church 303 S. 7th Street Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Tuesday, May 19, 2015 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM delete Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Wednesday, May 20, 2015 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM St. Joseph's Catholic Church 303 S. 7th Street Pekin,IL 61554