Allen “Big Al” Monroe, age 81, of Freeport, Iowa, passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Ossian Care Center.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Ossian Community Center, 123 W. Main St., in Ossian, Iowa. Family and friends are invited to gather to share stories, laughter, and memories as they celebrate a life well lived

In lieu of flowers please make out donations and memorials to the family in memory of Allen.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Ossian Care Center for the compassion, kindness, and support they provided to Allen.

Allen was born on July 23, 1944, in Decorah, Iowa, to Rueben and June Monroe.

Allen was a cowboy at heart. He was seldom seen without his well-worn cowboy boots, cowboy hat, and signature handlebar mustache. He embraced a life rooted in hard work, family, and the outdoors.

Allen began his working career cutting trees for Wright’s Tree Service before spending several years as an over-the-road truck driver. He later built a long career at Norplex in Postville, Iowa.

To Allen, work was simply a means to provide for his family and support the life he loved. His hard work made possible hunting trips, camping weekends, motorcycle rides, hours spent woodworking, and, above all, caring for the draft mules that became his greatest passion. He took immense pride in raising and caring for what was believed to be one of the largest teams of draft mules in Northeast Iowa, a passion that brought him countless hours of enjoyment and earned him the admiration of many who shared his love of these remarkable animals.

Later in life, Allen discovered another passion—fly fishing. Many peaceful hours were spent casting a line, and some of his most treasured memories were made sharing that pastime with his grandchildren. Those quiet days together created memories they will carry with them for years to come.

Allen often joked that, “If some was good, more had to be better.” Whether it was another scoop of ice cream, another helping at the dinner table, or simply more time spent with the people he loved, he believed life was meant to be enjoyed and shared.

If you asked Allen how he was doing, his answer was almost always the same: “Better than I deserve.” It was a humble response that became his trademark and reflected the gratitude with which he lived his life.

Allen is survived by his devoted life partner of 36 years, Amy Ryan; his children, Melonee (Dave) Lamb, Brenda Monroe (Mike Rogalla), Brian Monroe, and Tony (Emy) Monroe; his nine cherished grandchildren, David (Lindsey) Lamb, Andrew (Megan) Lamb, Amber Seitz, Eric (Holly) Seitz, Ross (Alex) Seitz, Troy Dunn, Mandy Baker, Lewis (Brogan) Monroe, and Emilia (Gerrod) Bailey; his eleven beloved great-grandchildren, Davey, Charlie, Isla, Aggie, Emma, Rubi, James, Montana, Laine, Amber and Matt; his sister, Lorrie (David) Beisker; his sister-in-law, Patty Monroe; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Allen was also lovingly embraced by Amy’s family, who became an important part of his life during the 36 years they shared together. He will be fondly remembered by Tom (Deirdre) Ryan, Mike (Erin) Ryan, Pat Ryan, and Beth Ryan, along with grandchildren Josie, Jude, Marley, Ciaran, and Eamonn, who shared many years of love, laughter, and treasured memories with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben and June Monroe; his sisters, LaVerna (Eldo) Peck and Janette Ryder (husband, Gerry Blong); and his brother, Jerry Monroe.

There was never such a thing as visiting Dad too often, calling him too much, or eating too much ice cream. Time spent together was what mattered most to him, and he always welcomed family with a warm smile and an open heart. We will forever miss his easy smile, his quick wit, and his sense of humor that could sometimes make us all blush. Those are the moments we will treasure most and the memories that will continue to bring smiles to our faces..

We’ll miss his smile, his stories, his cowboy spirit, and hearing him answer, “Better than I deserve.”