Monica M. Johnston

On Friday, May 27, 2022, at the age of 85, Monica Mae Johnston (nee Hupke) joyfully raised her hands as Jesus lifted her into heaven. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 3, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sioux City. Visitation with the family present will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Monica was so much to so many…child, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend/confidante, staunch defender, sports fan, baker/cook, bridge player, hallmark movie lover, and more…

Monica was born on December 3, 1936, at home, like her 8 siblings, in Mapleton, IA. Born during The Great Depression, she and her siblings learned quickly how to take care of each other.  Monica spent her early childhood in Mapleton before moving to Sioux City, IA, where she attended and graduated from Heelan High School in 1954.  While in high school, Monica participated the Glee Club, Mixed Chorus, Pep Club, and a few theatrical productions. 

Fresh out of high school, Monica worked for St. Joseph’s Hospital in the medical labs – likely her all-time favorite job. Throughout her life she held administrative and retail-based jobs to support her growing family.

As a wife, Monica enjoyed cheering her husband, Bill, on at his fast pitch softball games. She shared his love of baseball, often attending games of the St. Louis Cardinals, their favorite team. There is no doubt that she could recite the stats of the entire St. Louis Cardinals bench as well as various facts about opposing teams. Monica was also quite adept at completing a March Madness Bracket and participated annually in March Madness pools.

As a mother, Monica was the LOUDEST in the crowd to cheer for her children.  She loved to attend the numerous sports activities in which they were involved.  Monica instilled a strong faith in God in her children, taught them the importance of family, to be strong in the face of adversity, to show compassion and empathy towards others, give your best, have a sense of humor, and clean the house.  Clean the house and rearrange the furniture when it was her turn to host Bridge night!

As a grand/great-grandmother, Monica dearly loved and enjoyed spending time with her grand/great-grandchildren.  She did more than her fair share of keeping track of them and attending their activities. More than anything, Monica loved spending time with her larger-than-life family.  She had a good sense of humor and would laugh often at her ever-expanding family’s antics – whether they were 2 years old or 62 years old.

Monica routinely exchanged and debriefed on recipes with her sisters with whom she kept in contact nearly every day.  As a baker/cook, Monica would become disappointed with her daughters should they confess to using a boxed cake mix.  Monica was a prolific baker whose pies were coveted, often secreted away by one, or perhaps many, of her lucky children. On your birthday, she’d ensure you had your favorite meal and dessert.  Known for comfort food cooking, Monica’s collection of scribbled recipes and cookbooks are a treasure. 

“Though she was but little, she was fierce!” Shakespeare (variation)

Monica leaves behind a beloved legacy of 8 children, Tom (Pam), Linda (Pat), Terry (Karen), Todd, Betsy, Stacey (Ben), Steve (Tricia), Scott (Kari), 22 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. Monica is survived by her siblings Margie Young, June Beacom, and Leo Hupke.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband William “Bill” Johnston, and siblings Delbert Hupke, Dwayne Hupke, Macil Miller, Mary Young, and Theresa Hupke as well as her parents Mary Hupke (nee Uhl) and Jack Hupke.

In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association.