Harold J. Monette, age 94 of Shawano, was called to eternal peace on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, following a long illness.
Harold was born October 7, 1924 in Wabeno, Wisconsin, a son of the late Joseph Leonard and Elizabeth Ann (Wauters) Monette. Following Harold’s mother’s death when he was three, his father eventually remarried and his stepmother, Ann (Linse) Monette raised and loved him as her own.
Harold was an all-conference football player in high school. Following his graduation in 1942, he traveled to Washington and Oregon to visit his older brothers before enlisting in the service. Harold served in WW11 from August of 1943 to April of 1946 with the U.S. Coast Guard, aboard the patrol frigate USS Groton in the North Atlantic.
When Harold returned from war, he married Ann M. Salaj of Bessemer, Michigan on February 1, 1947. The couple had known one another since childhood as their older siblings were married to one another. Harold graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 1952 with a degree in education.
He began teaching later that year at Niagara High School. In 1959, he moved his family to Shawano. Harold earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Northern Michigan University in 1962, and served as the district library supervisor for the Shawano School District until retiring in 1986.
Harold was a longtime member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Parish in the Town of Waukechon, and subsequently Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. Harold was a devoted husband to his beloved “Annie” with whom he recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary! He was a caring father who always put family first, and he spent many evenings watching his children’s sporting events.
Harold took great pride in his hobby farm which had horses, cattle, and other animals, and taught his kids the joy and responsibility of caring for the animals. He always had a beautiful garden. Harold was an avid reader, particularly of historical novels. He was also a pianist, largely self-taught, and practiced religiously. One of his favorite pieces was “The Entertainer.”
Survivors include his wife, Ann, of Shawano; his daughters, Maria Koerwitz of Oshkosh, Cheryl (Randy) Schoenike of Clintonville; his sons, Richard (Deb) Monette of Green Bay, Robert (Lori) Monette of Pulaski, and James (Trisa) Monette of Madison; his grandchildren, Andrew, Patrick, and Kevin Koerwitz, Kristin (Ben) Schoenike Knaack and Kayla (Sam) Schoenike Meshnick, Erika (special friend, Josh Goodwater) Monette, Austin, Nicole, Lauren, and Caleb Monette; his great-grandson, Colton Knaack; his sister, Ursula Molloy of Dundee, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother; his brothers, Randall, Edward, Francis, Ambrose, and Ensor Monette; his sisters, Pearl Putman, Mina Edlebeck, Myrna Kopecky, and Melissa Blomquist; his step-brother, Joseph Wolfinger; and his step-sister, Dorothy McNulty.
A Memorial Mass for Harold J. Monette will be celebrated on Friday, March 15, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. Fr. Tom Farrell will be the celebrant. Full military honors will be conducted by the Shawano AmVets Post 10. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
“Many thanks to Nicole and Jen and all of the staff at Shawano Health Services for their compassionate care.”