Obituary
Robert “Monzi” J. Monsoor
Robert “Monzi” J. Monsoor, 76, of Onalaska, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Thursday, May 7, 2026, following a strong and courageous battle with AML.
Monzi was born at St. Ann’s in La Crosse on June 22, 1949, to Tom and Adelina “Nina” Monsoor. He was part of a prominent Onalaska family known for their long-standing business, Tom Monsoor News. A “Soda Jerk” from the young age of four, Monzi grew up learning to sweep, clean, stock shelves, and craft the perfect cherry coke or chocolate malt—memories many Onalaska friends still cherish. It was here that he developed his trademark kind ways and genuine concern for others. Monzi was never happier than when he was feeding a crowd; food and drink were truly his most sincere love languages, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Monzi retired from Burlington Northern Railroad after 38 years as an engineer. Throughout his career on the rails, he built many lifelong friendships, and as his colleagues often recalled, no one ever went hungry if Monzi was their engineer. Known for his generosity and caring nature, he always made sure those around him were taken care of.
Outside of work, his life was full of simple joys: watching sports, bow hunting in the peaceful woods, fishing with Fred, Fish Frys and catching squirrels with Lilly and Chloe.
On October 9, 2017, Monzi married his lifelong love, Terri Lovejoy, in a small ceremony with their special friends, Gary and Renee Reuter, by their side.
Nothing meant more to him than “Papa’s girls,” and his devoted companion, Nala. They were the apple of his eye and his greatest motivation over the past year. Whether it was providing a shoulder to cry on or jumping to help whenever they needed him, his devotion was unmatched. He was most content driving around or sitting at his favorite spot by the “fish” overlooking Lake Onalaska.
Monzi is survived by his wife, Terri; Melissa and Adam Aspenson; and “Papa’s girls,” Kalli, Lilly “Blueberry,” and Chloe “CJ.” He is further survived by his siblings, O’Malley Monsoor, Cathy Monsoor (Bob O’Brien), and Patty (Craig) Jermier; his many nieces and nephews; his Uncle Charlie of New Mexico; special friends, Gary and Renee Reuter; and many cherished friends and extended family members too numerous to list.
In addition to his human family, Monzi is survived by his faithful companion, Nala, and his beloved buddies, Brodi and Bailey.
Monzi’s true wealth was found in his family, and his unlimited circle of friends. He will be deeply missed by all who are lucky enough to be fed by him and loved by him.
We also offer our deepest thanks to his doctors, Olisaemeka Ogbue and Jonathan Ticku, along with the entire staff at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, for the compassionate care, dedication, and kindness shown to Monzi throughout his journey. He spent many days and countless hours in your care, and he was adamant that each one of you be recognized and thanked for the comfort, support, and exceptional treatment you provided. Your compassion meant more to him and to our family than words can fully express.
We would especially like to thank Pastor Scott Skogen for all he has done and continues to do for us.
A gathering of family and friends with reception will be held on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 from Noon to 2:00 pm at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Bob. A good friend that cared for others, and loved his family! I will always have great memories of Monz!! Slainte!
Bobby had a unique ability for bringing people together. He loved to hunt and fish and he loved people too.
He had this way of making you feel you were his best friend. The reality was he was everyone’s best friend.
He gave a lot of himself to the needs of others. It just came naturally.
I don’t know if we live on in some way once this life is over. I do know that Bobby will live on in my heart and mind as long I’m alive.
Farewell good friend. You made our world a bigger and better place.
Loved running into to him and catching up. His olive dip , so simple yet when I made it just didn’t taste like his. He was a kind,fun,good guy. My sympathy to this entire family I love dearly. Memories hold us together as we all mourn his loss. So glad we sat and talked for quite some time at a gathering just a month ago. Blessed. Rest in peace dear Monzi.
Monzi was a remarkable individual!! He was always upbeat and friendly to all. He will be missed by all of us who knew him. I offer my condolences and prayers! May he rest in peace!
monzi was one of the good old boys… he always made sure you made it home safe… he always carry that good sense of humor.he will be miss by many.. My prayers and thoughts are with the family….
Monzi was the first person I met when we moved to Onalaska, met him at the Y playing noon Ball. We hit it right off and was a bonus when I found out he worked on the Railroad also. I was fortunate to play with all his good friends on the Recovery Room basketball team, what a Great group. Monzi introduced my sons to fishing and he’d fry fish for them, along with stopping at the store and getting a cherry coke and candy, what Great memories with Monzi, He was special. Will miss my friend Monzi….Eeeeeee.
Just heard . NO- Monz, ONE of the longest best friend
I’ve had!,
He was The Extreme Giver!
The things we did ,the book would not be big enough..
He shared all his inner TRUTHS: Religious Knowledge, Troubles,Expertise, Hunting, Fishing, Partying, Visits,Phone calls,
finally another end here..
The GUY UPSTAIRS will be taken care of him.
SEE U later Monz, tom
Monzi was my co-worker for years, a friend, longer. He Loved life.
Sitting in his boat on the water, waiting for a tug on his fishing line, or in the quiet of the woods with his bow. At a granddaughters dance recital or their sporting activity. He had found his Happy Places and then, he had to go….
R.I.P. Monzi
Sail well Monz. Thanks for being such a great friend. Loved how compassionate person you were. Working with you was always a bonus.
Monzi was a co-worker, mentor and most of all a friend. Every time I saw him he had a big hug for me and always put a smile on my face. He was a wonderful human being who was taken from us too soon. My sympathies to all who loved him. RIP my friend. ❤️
Rest in peace Monzi! Great guy and good friend!
I was honored to know the “Monz” for about 50 years.
He was quite the character! He had a great sense of humor and loved having fun. He was so much fun to be around. Bob would always have the the snacks and beers in his cooler for our fishing outings. He, Fred and l caught caught a lot of fish together over the years! More important, was the laughter and banter we would share in the boat! When he caught a nice one, he would stand up in the boat and bring out his rendition of the song “This is how you do it”
OMG! Throughout his illness, l spoke with him on the phone to see how he was doing. l could tell he was tiring and weakening, but he always would try to keep going. We never talked about the end, because neither of us saw it coming. He never once complained about it.
You, my friend, will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of knowing you! R.I.P. “Monz”.
What a great human being, definitely one of a kind, fly high buddy!
When I transferred into Lacrosse as a conductor in 2001 with a young family, Bob was one of the 1st people I worked with. Before we even left Lacrosse he started bringing food Lacrosse the locomotive cab to me,I said politely no thanks I brought plenty of food, which made him bring me even more. He said it was part of his Lebanese heritage, which I replied my wife is also Lebanese, which made him brighten up even more. He said, I bet your wife is beautiful, we’re beautiful people you know, which is when I discovered his quick wit and humor. Got to work with Monzy alot before I got into the engineer program,which I was also fortunate to have Monzy as one of my mentors. Bob also was eager to share his love of family, one trip he was on the phone with his father, and told him about my wife’s Lebanese family, I gave him the # office my wife’s Grandfather in North Dakota, whose family immigrated around the same Time as Bob’s family. He later told me his dad called and they talked for over an hour and they had a wonderful conversation. Bob was genuinely won of the kindest,funniest, most thoughtful man I ever got the privilege to know. Although he is in a better place,he truly will missed. God bless you Bob, rest in peace 🙏 your friend Wade
Goodbye my friend. It’s been quite an Adventure!
Bob was a great friend and positive influence on any one that he touch! We need more Bob’s in our life!
Monzi, great friend, huge heart, wonderful person.
I met Bob around 1986 on the basketball court. We immediately became good friends. Bob liked the high post around the free throw line. If you were open he would find you every time for an easy basket. When my life hit a rough patch Bob helped me get through it. He was always able and willing to help me move. One time when I was at his condo having a beer his sister Patty popped in and Bob introduced us. I was so lucky that happened because Patty and I later married. I’ll never forget his great final four parties and also our bus trips to Badger and Bucks games. His great grilling skills at Tom and Nina’s house for Packer games. Great times at Recovery Room bar. I will miss you my friend, my brother in-law. RIP Monzi and I’ll see you on the other side.