Monica Joyce (Martin) Regan was born on September 15, 1928 in Oakdale, Nebraska, daughter of Edward and Mary (Ramaekers) Martin. She was the fifth of eight children including 2 sisters and 5 brothers. Monica "went home" and entered into eternal peace on October 22, 2018 at Good Samaritan's in Red Oak, Iowa.

Growing up in rural Nebraska on a farm, Monica attended country school and 3 years of high school at Albion, Nebraska. When her parents moved to Imogene, Iowa half-way through her junior year, Monica stayed with an elderly couple to finish out the year. After moving to be with her parents in Imogene, Monica's senior year of high school was spent studying and making new friends, one of which was a young man named Robert "Doc" Regan. Being the charismatic Irishman, he asked her on a few dates and charmingly nicknamed her the "Nebraska Hayseed".

Monica graduated from St. Patrick's Academy in May of 1946 and Doc was off to serve in the Navy. The many classes Monica studied in high school provided her the skills needed to enter the workforce. She began working at KMA Radio in the office as a bashful, but hard-working employee for 2 years. Monica had many friends in Shenandoah and Imogene, but was patiently waiting for Doc to return from the service.

On March 31, 1948, Monica, being the beautiful bride, was united in marriage to Robert "Doc" Regan at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shenandoah, Iowa. After a small reception, they headed back to work the Regan family farm in Imogene. Doc and Monica raised 4 children on the farm and always welcomed family and friends to drop-in for a glass of iced tea. Monica was a devoted, hard-working farm wife. In her later years on the farm, she would help Doc restore antique tractors.

Monica loved the outdoors and loved working on the farm, planting vegetable gardens, harvesting, canning, and nurturing many farm animals. Everybody loved her apple butter, oatmeal cookies, and homemade chicken noodle soup. She enjoyed vacations in Minnesota, playing card games especially pitch and gin rummy, sitting on the swing with a soft, gentle breeze, and playing with her grandchildren. Many miles were put on her car going to sporting events cheering on her kids and grandkids. Monica's hand-made quilts will continue to provide her warmth and love to many family members for years to come.

She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene and was active in Altar Society. Monica was a devoted Catholic and a faith-filled woman. Her humbleness and kindness will live in the hearts of family and friends forever.

Monica was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband Robert, granddaughter Shannon Regan, brothers Vincent, Edward and Marvin, and sister Elaine.

Survivors include Monica's four children; Jerry Regan and his wife Patricia of North Carolina, Megan McIntyre and her husband Rod of Boulder, Colorado, Terry Regan and his wife Kathy of Shenandoah, Iowa and Mary Jo Osborne and her husband Jerry of Littleton, Colorado; grandchildren; many great grandchildren; three siblings; Norbert Martin and wife Katy of Shenandoah, IA, Ronald Martin and wife Barbara of Green Valley AZ, and Mary Ann Collins of Minneapolis, MN; special friend and roommate Lois Kindig; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, October 27, 2018 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene.

Visitation with the family will be held from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm, with a prayer service starting at 7:30 pm, on Friday, October 26, 2018 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Imogene.

Memorials may be directed to the St. Patrick's Catholic Church or St. Croix Hospice.

Burial will be held at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Imogene.