Bede A. Monnin, 79, a life-time resident of Russia, passed away at 12:18 a.m. June 9, 2013, at his home surrounded by his family.   

He was born June 21, 1933, in Russia, to Leo and Marie Guillozet Monnin. On Nov. 24, 1962, he married Barbara Homan at St. Henry Catholic Church in St. Henry, and she survives in Russia.

Other survivors include his daughter, Sandy and Randy Hoehne of Fort Loramie, Alan and Sandy (Schmitmeyer) Monnin of Russia, Andrew and Paula (Black) Monnin of Piqua, Neal and Beth (Watercutter) Monnin of Troy, and Randy and Krista (Marantos) Monnin of Madeira; 11 grandchildren, Ryan and Alison Hoehne of Anna, Matt and Megan (Hoehne) Elsass of Xenia, Abbey Monnin of West Hollywood, Calif., Jacob and Joseph Monnin of Russia, Kristen, Daniel and Nathan Monnin of Piqua, Eli Monnin of Troy and Kate and Drew Monnin of Madeira; six brothers, James Monnin of Xenia, Guy and Sharon Monnin of Tipp City, Mark and Lois Monnin of Russia, Ray and Doris Monnin of Hilliard, Leon and Dianne Monnin of S. Easton, Mass., and Clem Monnin of Dayton; four sisters, Urs and Gary Pierron of Tipp City, Rose and Norbert Lachat of Russia, Lucy and Leo Oen of Russia, and Dorothy Hathaway of Joshua Tree, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Caroline Monnin of Centerville; and a brother-in-law, Mark Homan of Marion.

Preceding him in death were his father and mother-in-law, Clem and Irene (Bergman) Homan; two brothers, Bernard and Joseph Monnin; a sister, Sr. Teresa Monnin; and in-laws Maxine Monnin, Phyllis Monnin and Dale Hathaway.

Mr. Monnin was a 1951 graduate of Russia High School and served in the Army in Hamburg, Germany, from 1953-1955. He was a self-employed brick layer for more than 40 years, working primarily in the Shelby and Darke counties until his retirement in 1995.

He had a strong faith in the Lord and was devoted to living out that faith through his acts of service for his church and community. He was a member of St. Remy Catholic Church, where he had served as a parish council member, lector, Eucharistic Minister and funeral mass usher.

He enjoyed volunteering for many different community activities. Most notably, he was a member of the St. Remy Knights of Columbus for 50 years, serving a term as Grand Knight. He was a member of the Catholic War Veterans Post 661 of Russia for 50 years, serving as Commander, and he was a flag bearer on the firing squad for 40 years. He was a member of the Shelby County Right to Life. He also served as a volunteer for the Russia bloodmobile.

He and his wife enjoyed spending time with their family, being outdoors, attending outdoor concerts and polka dancing. He was known as an accomplished fisherman and a prize-winning gardener and was delighted to share his years of gardening experience with others. With the help of family, he enjoyed making apple cider, pure maple syrup and homemade ice cream. He made thousands of rosaries that made their way into the hands of many military personnel and were delivered by missionaries around the world.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Remy Catholic Church, Russia, the Rev. Frank Amberger celebrant. Burial will take place at St. Remy Cemetery with full military honors.   

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Russia.

Memorials can be given to St. Remy Catholic Church, Wilson Hospice and the Russia Wellness Foundation.

Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.