Richard Monley , age 76 of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

Richard Brian Monley was born on June 6, 1949 in Grand Forks, ND to James and Elizabeth (Connelly) Monley. He possessed a rare and gentle spirit that touched everyone fortunate to cross his path. Richard was a man defined by his kind nature and quick wit. He attended Sacred Heart High School where he graduated in 1968. Then in 1974, Richard was married to Janeene Rainsberry (the cutest DQ girl there was) in Yellowstone National Park. They purchased their forever home in East Grand Forks in 1978 and had two children: Michael and Lynn.

Richard began working for Coca-Cola in 1975 and retired in 2011. Throughout his time at Coca-Cola, Richard cherished the friendships he made throughout his career. He valued hard work, so it's no surprise he enjoyed working on the farm. In earlier years he worked alongside his in-laws on the Rainsberry farm. Later on, he drove truck for the Wavra's, hauling sugar beets. He liked the camaraderie that came with getting together to get the job done.

Richard loved being at the lake. He treasured spending time with his family at the Monley cabin in Bemidji in earlier years. The lake-life always brought him a special sense of peace and the freedom to let loose a little bit. Richard adored being a Grandpa to his two granddaughters and grandson. He played the role well and "Grandpa" was a title that looked good on him.

After retirement he kept busy around the house (and driving his wife crazy). He tended to his yard with immaculate detail. He was always outside in his wide brimmed hat trimming the shrubs in the summer. In the winter, as soon as the first snowflake fell, he had a plan ready to go for snow removal. Richard took great pride in the cleanliness of his home. He was very particular in how he liked things done. Becoming the family joke about having so many "rules" around the house. Richie loved to remind his (adult) daughter how to do simple tasks such as locking the front door, because he was worried she didn't know how to do it (the right way). Richard also relished in tending to his wife's every need. After retirement, he took on every laborious task in the house. From washing and filling the car with gas, scrubbing and vacuuming the floors, to washing the windows. Richie did it all.

Richard was deeply spiritual. He never missed a Sunday service. In earlier years he felt honored to take his mother and her sister to church every Sunday. They called it "The Church Club." Later, when stairs became too difficult to climb, he attended online services (and always hoped it "counted").

Richard was always an athlete. In his younger years he was the quarterback for his High School football team. He later played adult hockey and men's softball. When his children were little, Richard enjoyed playing "catch" in the back yard. One season he allowed his son to flood the back yard to make an ice rink. He enjoyed "shooting hoops" with his daughter and taught her some pretty sweet trick shots. He never missed their games - He attended every hockey game Mike played and every softball game Lynn played. He also loved Minnesota Vikings football and UND (Sioux forever) hockey.

Richard was a silly, kindhearted, loving, goofy man, (and don't forget handsome) with the quick wit and an amazing sense of humor. There are so many stories yet to be shared and a million laughs yet to have.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Janeene; his son, Michael (Erin) Monley; granddaughters, Kendall and Kara; his daughter, Lynn Monley; grandson, Matthew, brothers; Tim, Rob, Mike, Pat, and John, sister; Mary Lou (Wavra) and a wide circle of friends who were like family to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James & Elizabeth; sister, Sharon; cousins, James and Jon McDonald; and his lifelong best friend, Bobby Bushy.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL is 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 200 3rd Street NW, East Grand Forks, Minnesota, with VISITATION one hour prior. INTERMENT at Resurrection Cemetery in East Grand Forks.