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Jeffrey Fosdick Monroe, age 72, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024 of a cardiac arrest. A son and brother, the middle of three siblings – along with Thomas Jr. (Linda) Monroe and Cynthia (Wayne) Bartell. Born and raised in Three Rivers, he later became a husband and then a father to three beautiful, intelligent, and accomplished girls: Helena Monroe, Patricia (Nathan) Thorp and Jeannie Monroe; as well as an uncle to T.O. and Linda’s children, Thomas (Katelyn) Monroe and Jackie (Tim) Callan, and Cindy and Wayne’s sons, Andrew Bartell and Brian Bartell. Most recently, he became a grandfather to Palmer and Pepper (Thorp).
Like his father and two siblings, he was educated on the banks of the Red Cedar – graduating from Michigan State University in 1974. An engineer by trade, Jeffrey started his career at American Air Filter in St. Louis, MO – before joining his father and brother as a salesman for the family founded Johnson Corporation. Upon his return to Michigan, he settled in Portage – where he built one of the first homes in Woodbridge Hills on The Moors Golf Course.
Although often used as an excuse to get off the phone, Jeffrey loved making sure his yard was well mowed and the bushes were trimmed. Once the yard work was complete, he loved spending the rest of his afternoon with his buddies on the golf course. Men’s league at The Moors was his second home. Jeff was also an avid Spartan fan and as a season ticket holder, he could be found every fall at Spartan Stadium and at the Breslin Center in the winter. Jeffrey truly bled green and white and never missed an opportunity to shout the GO GREEN GO WHITE cheer in any and all locations.
Jeff was a wonderful father and truly enjoyed being a girl dad. He was always very involved as a coach of their teams or as a proud dad in the stands/auditorium. He also loved being able to help all of his daughters with their studies, even through college, especially with math and science.
As Helena, Patricia and Jeannie grew up, he continued to support them through their careers, moves, surgeries (he never missed those), and relationships. When Jeff became a grandfather to Patricia’s daughters, Palmer and Pepper, he seamlessly jumped back into the role he had been playing so well with his daughters.
As Michigan winters came, Jeffrey enjoyed escaping south. He became a snowbird and loved seeing family and friends and continuing to perfect his golf game.
Jeffrey was so charismatic and could always light up a room. He is irreplaceable and will be missed beyond measure.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 1pm at First Presbyterian Church of Three Rivers/Centreville, 320 N. Main St., Three Rivers, with Michael Northrop officiating. A celebration of life will be held following the service.
Donations in Jeff’s memory may be directed to the KZOO Spartans Endowment Fund. Envelopes will be available at Hohner Funeral Home and at the church.
