Father Paul Monahan Obituary, Death – Diocese of Des Moines Mourns Priest After 66 Years of Service

The Diocese of Des Moines is mourning the death of Father Paul Monahan, a respected Catholic priest whose six decades of ministry brought him into the lives of generations of students, parishioners, families and fellow clergy throughout southwestern Iowa.

The Diocese announced that Father Monahan died in the morning and asked members of the Catholic community to remember him in prayer. His passing brings an end to a remarkable 66 years of priestly service that began with his ordination in 1960.

A Priest Called to Serve

Father Paul Monahan was ordained a priest on June 5, 1960, by Bishop Edward Daly. A native of Portsmouth, Iowa, he pursued his education at Loras College and Mount St. Bernard Seminary in Dubuque before continuing his postgraduate studies at Creighton University in Omaha.

Education became an important part of his early ministry. For nearly two decades, Father Monahan worked in Catholic schools, including Dowling Catholic High School and St. Albert High School.

He later became principal of St. Albert High School, where his work placed him in a position to influence and mentor generations of young people.

Six Decades of Catholic Ministry

In 1979, Father Monahan transitioned into parish ministry, beginning another significant chapter in his long career as a priest.

Over the years, he served Catholic communities at several parishes, including St. Mary Parish in Avoca, St. Patrick Parish in Walnut, Holy Family Parish in Council Bluffs, St. Mary Parish in Portsmouth and Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in Glenwood.

His ministry extended beyond individual parish assignments. Father Monahan remained involved in the life of the Diocese and continued serving after retiring from parish ministry in 2004. His later work included chaplaincy and providing support to retired priests.

Remembered by Students and Parishioners

Throughout his priesthood, Father Monahan developed relationships with people across different generations.

His years in Catholic education were especially meaningful, with former students and colleagues remembering him as a teacher and mentor as well as a priest. His connection with young people remained an important part of the story of his ministry.

His service also took him into numerous parish communities, where he accompanied families and parishioners through different stages of their lives.

Even in retirement, Father Monahan remained connected to the Catholic community. In 2025, he was among those attending the 150th anniversary celebration of St. Mary Mediatrix of All Graces Catholic Church in Avoca, demonstrating his continuing connection to communities he had served.

Cause of Death Not Disclosed

The Diocese of Des Moines did not publicly disclose a cause of death in its announcement concerning Father Monahan’s passing.

No specific illness or medical condition was identified in the information released by the Diocese. As a result, no cause of death should be assumed without confirmation from his family or church officials.

His death nevertheless marks the close of a priestly journey that began more than six decades ago and included extensive service in Catholic education, parish ministry and other areas of the Diocese.

A Lasting Legacy of Faith

Father Paul Monahan leaves behind a legacy shaped by more than 66 years of service to the Catholic Church and the people of southwestern Iowa.

From classrooms and school hallways to parish churches and communities, his ministry brought him into contact with countless people. His influence will be remembered by former students, parishioners, fellow priests, families and others who encountered him throughout his long life of service.

The Diocese has called on the faithful to pray for Father Monahan and for the repose of his soul, offering the traditional Catholic prayer: “Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.”

For those who knew him, his passing is the loss of a longtime priest, educator, mentor and familiar presence within the Diocese of Des Moines.

May Father Paul Monahan rest in peace, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his family, friends, former students, parishioners and fellow members of the Catholic community find comfort in the faith and memories he leaves behind.