Byron J. Monahan, 74, of Waseca, Minnesota, died peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017, at the New Richland Care Center following an extended illness.

Byron James, the son of Joseph and Betsy (Waller) Monahan, was born on June 4, 1942, in Austin, Minnesota. At a young age, Byron moved to Waseca with his family and began helping his family at the Pheasant Café as well as delivering milk. He attended Waseca High School where he was active in cross country and basketball and graduated with the class of 1962. Following high school, Byron worked for Brown Printing, Waseca Public Schools, GS Brokerage and Corchran Manufacturing. On Aug. 19, 1973, he was united in marriage to Marlys J. Gruis in Worthington, Minnesota, and were blessed with two sons, Joseph and James.

Byron enjoyed dancing, drawing, roller skating, classic and new cars, water skiing, and the many family gatherings. He was given the nickname “Heart” at a very young age and carried the meaning throughout his life by having a heart of gold for everyone. Byron was a man of faith and enjoyed being active at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca. His commitment to anything he was involved in showed his true passion of helping others.

Byron is survived by his wife, Marlys of Waseca; his two sons, Joseph Monahan and James Monahan, both of New Richland, Minnesota; his grandson, Eric of New Richland; his siblings, John “Jack” (Barbara) Monahan, Jeffrey (Kaye) Monahan, both of Waseca, and Barbara (Bob) Kedrowski of Edwards, Colorado; his sisters-in-law, Barbara (Gene) Reker of Lismore, Minnesota, Joanne (Ron) Fricke of Jackson, Minnesota, and Gail Gruis of Fulda, Minnesota; his brothers-in-law, Duane (Barb) Gruis of Worthington and Daryle (Rachelle) Gruis of Worthington; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Frederick and Shirley Gruis; and by his brother-in-law, Ronald Gruis.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017, at Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca, with the Rev. Kristi Mitchell officiating. Private family interment will be at Woodville Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Services — McRaith Chapel in Waseca, and will continue for one hour prior to the service at church on Saturday morning.

In lieu of flowers, Byron’s family requests memorials be given to American Diabetes Association, National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), or to the donor’s choice in his memory.

Byron’s family would like to thank the many medical professionals who have helped him over the years, especially Dr. Wilson, and the New Richland Care Center for their loving care over the last three years.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Services — McRaith Chapel of Waseca. www.wasecafuneral.com