Dr. Francis "Fran" McMonigle

Francis Andrew McMonigle of Wenatchee, WA, peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord on the morning of September 5, 2025, at the age of 90. Fran was born December 1, 1934, at his family’s home on Deer Creek Ranch near Hailey, Idaho, to John and Victoria McMonigle. The youngest of three sons, he grew up surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins in a lively, close-knit ranching family. His grandfather had homesteaded the ranch in the 1800s, and by Fran’s generation, three houses stood on the property—none with electricity or running water. Ranch life meant long days of milking cows, riding horses, herding sheep and cattle, and tending crops—but it was also filled with laughter, adventure, and the mischievous antics of the many boys who called the ranch home. Fran carried these early lessons of hard work, resilience, and humor with him throughout his life, and he often delighted in sharing stories of those days. Though he attended school in Hailey, ranch work remained a constant, shaping his perseverance, diligence, and strong work ethic. A few years before leaving for college, the family sold the ranch. After graduating as valedictorian of his high school class, Fran enrolled at the University of Portland, where he met the love of his life, Barbara "Barb" Reilly, in an embryology class—a meeting that would shape the rest of his life. Fran completed his undergraduate degree in three years before being accepted into dental school at St. Louis University. Barb finished her degree in Medical Technology at the University of Portland, and they were married on August 17, 1957, at St. Thomas More Parish in Portland. They celebrated their honeymoon at Rockaway Beach, Oregon. Their first child, Tim, was born a year later while Fran was still in dental school. In 1959, Fran joined the U.S. Air Force, serving as a captain and dentist in the base clinic. During this time, their daughter Colleen was born. The family was later stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, WA, where Siobhan joined the family. In 1962, Fran purchased a dental practice in East Wenatchee, WA. Shortly after moving, Erin was born, followed by Molly once the family had settled into their Wenatchee home. There, Fran and Barb raised their five children in a home filled with love, laughter, and faith, building a life together for 63 joyful years in the Wenatchee Valley. Fran treasured his family above all else. He was always present for his children and grandchildren, attending countless sporting events, plays, debates, dance recitals, baptisms, First Communions, and Confirmations—celebrating every milestone with pride and enthusiasm. He shared a special closeness with his nieces and nephews, who felt his love just as deeply as he felt theirs. Fran also cherished time with lifelong friends, enjoying shared adventures, meals, and travel, treasuring each connection he had nurtured over the years. Fran was strong in his Catholic faith, positive in spirit, quick with humor, generous, and a joy to be around. Even in retirement, he continued his calling, sharing his dental skills in free clinics for low-income patients and filling in for fellow dentists. He helped deliver meals with Mobile Meals, provided medical equipment to families through KC Help (Knights of Columbus), served at the Food Bank, volunteered at Alatheia Riding Center, and supported the St. Vincent de Paul ministry. His spiritual home was at St. Joseph Catholic Parish, where he found joy in worship, fellowship, and the “That Man is You” ministry. Fran was preceded in death earlier this year by his beloved wife of nearly 68 years, Barb; his daughter-in-law, Colette Barros McMonigle; his brothers Joseph and John McMonigle; and his sister-in-law Bernice McMonigle. He is survived by his sisters-in-law Mary Jo McMonigle, Ann Reilly, and Camille (Jim) Erickson; his son Tim McMonigle; his daughters Colleen (Brad) Danforth, Siobhan (Todd) Fryhover, Erin (Todd) George, and Molly (Jeff) Akers; eighteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and many more to come. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish in Wenatchee, WA, on December 30, 2025, at noon, preceded by a Rosary at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to KC Help of Wenatchee. Arrangements are entrusted to Jones & Jones ~ Betts Funeral Home.

Tributes

Dr. Francis "Fran" McMonigle

December 1, 1934 - September 5, 2025