Obituary for Colleen Kay Monahan

In loving memory, it is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Colleen Kay Monahan on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Vintage Hills Care Center in Indianola, Iowa. Colleen passed peacefully, surrounded by her family and friends in a loving environment.

Colleen was born on March 17, 1945, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Malvin and Betty Putney. She was raised with two siblings, Sharon and Ronald. She attended St. Joseph Academy (Dowling) High School and furthered her education at the American Institute of Business (AIB) in Des Moines, Iowa.

Upon her high school graduation on a Friday night in 1963, she began her career in banking the following Monday morning as a teller with the formerly known Brenton Bank in Des Moines, Iowa. Her dedication and commitment to hard work led her to hold several different roles within the bank while putting herself through school at night, all while raising two children. Colleen ultimately built a long and distinguished career of 32 years with Wells Fargo, retiring as a Senior Vice President of Operations. She managed nearly 400 employees across multiple operations centers in the Midwest.

Colleen was very active in the community, volunteering her time in many areas. She sat on several boards, dedicated many hours to her church activities, and served as treasurer for her homeowner’s association for a long tenure. She also devoted many hours to her passion for golf.

Golf provided Colleen with many opportunities in life. She played four to five times a week, served as treasurer and secretary for two women’s golf leagues, and volunteered with The First Tee of Central Iowa. Colleen had the opportunity to marshal at three LPGA U.S. Women’s Open Championships and two PGA John Deere Classic events. However, what she cherished the most were the incredible friendships she made over the many years she spent around the game. She valued not only the competition but also the camaraderie among her friends on the 19th hole.

In addition to golf, Colleen enjoyed the theater, fine dining, her book club, traveling the world, and Kansas Jayhawks basketball. She shared an incredible bond with a special group of ladies over the last 40 years known as the “Wire Girls.”

Colleen’s greatest passion was her family. She fiercely loved her children and grandchildren, and there was nothing she wouldn’t do to be with them. Over the years, she spent much time with her two children and seven grandchildren, attending their events, traveling, or simply enjoying a meal together. She always taught that “family is all you have when all is said and done, so make the best of it always.” Colleen often expressed gratitude for the blessings in her life and never hesitated to extend kindness and generosity to everyone she encountered.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Malvin and Betty Putney, as well as her sister, Sharon Eastman. She is survived by her brother, Ronald Putney (Sharon); her two children, Raymond “Chip” Monahan and Lisa Freerksen; her seven grandchildren, Douglas Epping (Taryn), Kristina Epping, Jordan Monahan, Austin Monahan, Owen Monahan, Jenna Nelson (Dustin), and Brandon Freerksen; and her seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by an amazing number of friends made throughout her incredible life.

Colleen Kay Monahan was born on St. Patrick’s Day in 1945 and carried that Irish personality throughout her life. She was beautiful, warm, kind, gracious, spirited, witty, and a friend to all. Most of all, Colleen was what she always aspired to be - the best mother.

In honor of what would have been Colleen’s 80th birthday, we will be celebrating her life with a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Copper Creek Golf Club and Event Center, located at 4825 Copper Creek Dr., Pleasant Hill, Iowa 50327. We invite all friends and family to join us in celebrating her life from 5:00–8:00 PM.

 A small service will be held during the celebration, with a few words spoken by clergy and family at approximately 6:30 PM.