John Anthony Monark

John Anthony (Jack) Monark, a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend to all, answered the Lord's call early in the morning of August 6, 2016 in Centennial, Colorado. Jack was born on December 10, 1924 in Detroit, Michigan to John P. and Anna Z. Monark. Jack's father worked in the auto industry and his mother was a homemaker. At age 18, Jack joined the Marines and bravely served his country during WWII in the Pacific campaign. After completing his service, Jack attended the University of Detroit on the G.I. Bill where he earned his degree in Accounting. Upon graduation, he accepted an accountant position with the CPA Insurance Company where he worked for the next 37 years completing his career as president of the company. In 1949, he married Rosemary Jean Robertson of St. Louis, MO, his devoted wife of 67 years. Jack and Rosemary settled down in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. Over the next 35 years, Jack and Rosemary raised seven wonderful children. As a dedicated father, he was always found with his children nearby. Jack never missed a game, drove his children to all of their activities, took the family on summer trips and supported all of his children's various endeavors. He was a humble man who put everyone's needs before his own. Jack had a fun sense of humor and was known for his entertaining narrations on the Monark family home videos. Jack was a founding member of the STM Knights of Columbus and served in various volunteer roles at his parishes, Our Lady Queen of Peace in Michigan and St. Thomas More in Colorado. Jack was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing bridge, and loved baseball. You would often see Jack with his family at Detroit Tigers games, or watching and cheering on the Colorado Rockies after he moved to Colorado. Jack and Rosemary retired to Colorado in 1986 where they were very active in their church and parish school, traveled extensively, and were devoted to their 15 grandchildren. Jack is survived by his wife Rosemary, his sister Lucille, seven children: Nancy Gradel (Mike), John Monark (Barb), Roseanne Chichester (Stan), Paul Monark (Eileen), Maryellen Brackett (Bill), David Monark and Mike Monark (Terri Sue). Their grandchildren are Eric Barnes, Ryan Barnes, Angela Monark, Chris Monark, Justin Chichester (Christine), Rachel Chichester, Grant Chichester, Katherine Monark, Jack Monark, Marie Monark, Janika Brackett, Drew Brackett, Kirsten Brackett, Emma Monark and Aidan Monark. A prayer service/rosary will be held on Wednesday, August 10, 7pm at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 5303 E. County Line Rd, Centennial, CO 80122. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 11, 2016, 11am at St. Thomas More Parish, 8035 S. Quebec St., Centennial, CO, 80112. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Jack may be made to St. Thomas More Catholic School Scholarship Fund 7071 E. Otero Ave, Centennial, CO 80112, or the Carmelite Monastery, 6138 S. Gallup St., Littleton, CO 80120. Please don't feel obligated to wear black as we will be sharing Jack's memories with joy and love. Please share memories of Jack and condolences with the family by signing the guest book below.