Paul F. Monahan Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, at Hillsdale Hospital, at the age of 89. Born on July 27, 1936, in Hudson, Michigan, Paul was the son of Paul F. Monahan Sr. and Cecila M. Hartley. He was a resident of the area for his entire life, where he cultivated deep roots in the community and a legacy that will endure through generations.
On June 20, 1959, Paul married his eternal love, Martha Lee Martin, in a ceremony at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Together, they built a family and a life filled with love, laughter, and the simple joys of everyday life.
Paul is survived by his wife Martha, nine children: Kevin (Sherrie) Monahan, Mark (Jana) Monahan, Deborah MacFarlane, Jeffrey (Elaine) Monahan, Matthew (Angela) Monahan, Marcia (Anthony) McDowell, Paul (Heather) Monahan III, Mitch (Sarah) Monahan, and Mike (Nikki) Monahan. Paul’s legacy continues through his grandchildren: Lucas (Danny) Monahan, Holly Monahan, Sarah (Michael) Hoag, David (Denise) Monahan, Alyson (Kysha) Monahan, Johnathan (Jessie) Monahan, Ashley (Joshua) Warner, Justin (Amanda) Monahan, Kelsey Monahan, Morgan Monahan, Alexander (Eva) Monahan, Andrew (Kaitlin) Monahan, Hilary (Garrett) Bielecki, Ryan McDowell, Bradey, Madelyn, Kloee, Parker, Vivian, Finn, Mason, and Ty Monahan. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren who will remember their great-grandpa for his warmth and kindness: Elliot, Michael, Brynley, Brayden, Joelle, Luke, Braxton, Myles, Dawsyn, Olivia, Benjamin, Claire, and Carson. Two sisters: Margaret Seibert and Agnes Vedra, and sisters-in-law Gena and Nancy Martin.
He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Thomas MacFarlane, granddaughter Sally Marie Monahan, great-granddaughters Eleanor and Edith Monahan, brothers: Patrick (Hazel) Monahan, Joseph (Phyllis) Monahan, sister, Mary Lou (James) Rentrop, brothers-in-law: William “Bill” Vedra, Wayne Seibert, Edward (Shirley) Martin, John “Jack” Martin, William Martin and sisters-in-law: Sister Patricia Martin, Rosemary (William) Case, Barbara (Charles) Ferris, Delores (Gene) Figy.
Throughout his life, Paul was known as the epitome of a hard worker. He began his career in 1965 at Fisher Body in Tecumseh, MI, before retiring from Powertrain in Toledo, OH, after 32 ½ years. In 1962, he became a co-owner of Monahan Dairy Farm alongside his brother, Pat. Paul worked tirelessly on the farm, retiring from dairy farming in 1989 and from crop farming in 2014. His son Paul and grandson Bradey now carry on the legacy of the family farm.
Paul was not just a dedicated worker but also a man of few words, whose presence spoke volumes. He was known for his unwavering commitment to his family and his profound ability to listen. The love he showed was matched only by the love he received, creating a legacy that will echo through the lives of all who knew him. His family was his pride and joy, and he was often referred to as the “best dad ever.”
Paul was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and was proud to be the oldest surviving member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3221. He took great joy in his hobbies, which included making peanut brittle and the cherished tradition of placing M&M’s on the delicious monster cookies he and Martha made together. He took pride in his yard and was always up to the task of keeping the farm in excellent condition.
The family will receive friends for a visitation at the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home, Hudson, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. A Vigil Prayer Service will take Place on Tuesday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. A Rite of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Todd Koenigsknecht. A visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow Mass at Calvary Cemetery in Hudson, Michigan.
Memorial contributions can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.brownvanhemert.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Brown-Van Hemert Funeral Home, Hudson.