Richard F. ‘Dick’ Monka, age 77, of Merrill, died Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Dick was born October 25, 1934, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, son of the late Zeno and Irene (Wisneski) Monka. He married Phyllis Gregor on February 15, 1958, in Two Rivers. She survives. Dick enlisted in the United States Navy on November 5, 1952. After four years of active service, he spent another four years in the Naval Reserves as a teacher for newly enlisted sailors. Dick began his teaching administrator career in Brandon, Wisconsin. In 1963, he moved to Merrill, and taught and was the administrator at Franklin, Scott, and Maple Grove Elementary Schools. Dick was a member of WEAC – Wisconsin Education Association Council, and the Wisconsin Federation of School Administrators. Dick enjoyed golfing, fishing, and hunting. He was an avid outdoorsman, and was involved with the Merrill School Forest for thirty years.
Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Monka, of Merrill; two children, Greg Monka, of Edgartown, Massachusetts, and Stephanie (David) Springborn, of Merrill; one grandson, Ian Springborn, of Merrill; and four siblings, Rosemary, Mary Jo, Ronald, and John, all of Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Zeno and Irene Monka; and one brother, Kenneth.
The funeral service will be at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, April 7, 2012, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Aspirus Wausau Hospital who cared for Dick during his stay.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com