Gilbert (Gil) Lawrence Monnig passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 2, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 82.
Born on January 7, 1943, in Americus, Missouri to Victor Henry and Loretta Anne (Lauer) Monnig, Gil grew up in the farmland of Americus, Rhineland and Starkenburg, Missouri before graduating from St. George High School in Hermann in 1960. He earned his accounting degree at the University of Central Missouri in 1964 and was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity.
Gil was preceded in death by his firstborn Carla Jean Monnig, sister Laverne (the late Paul) Kleinheider. He is survived by Georgia (Danuser) Monnig of Oakville, MO, the mother of his three daughters: Stacey (Joseph) Hegger of Oakville, MO; Stephanie (Jeffrey) Hoelscher of Sunset Hills, MO; Shanna (Arindam) Kar of Compton Heights, MO; his brother Sidney (the late Christine) Monnig of Manchester, MO and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was a proud “Papa” to Taylor (Amanda), Michael (Jeanna), Jack, Sarah, Indira, Emma, Indranil, Will, Samantha, Indrayani, Indralena, and Ingita.
Gil loved his family, coaching and the St. Louis Cardinals. A devout Catholic, he was active as a coach and school board member at St. Francis of Assisi, and in 1994 began the junior varsity softball program at Cor Jesu Academy, where he volunteered as a coach for almost 30 years.
His calm demeanor in the dugout and his trips to the mound to ask everyone’s ice cream flavor not only broke up the game’s pace but made him an endearing figure to countless young women over the years. He loved running into former players and hearing about their lives.
A quiet but steady supporter of all things Catholic or athletic, many small-town backstops, athletic fields and private school tuitions were paid for by an anonymous donor who worked for the Internal Revenue Service for over 50 years and believed in paying it forward.
Papa was the quintessential baby whisperer, calming any little one with a binky and a steady pat on the bottom. He loved nothing more than to take his sticky note of weekend sporting events and make his way around South County attending all the grandchildren’s games and dance recitals. He loved his weekly Saturday breakfasts, Monday night dinners, Will and Gil’s excellent adventures, catching a Card’s game with his grandsons or taking selfies with his granddaughters. Not an outwardly emotional person, he was quick to tear up when one of the grandchildren would leave him with a “Love you, Papa.”
As he would always tell the family, “I’ve lived a great life. I grew up on a farm with extended family all around, met my grandchildren, traveled the world and accomplished everything I ever wanted to do. I am ready whenever He is ready for me.” Oh Papa –unfortunately, we weren’t quite as ready…
Services: Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 9:15 am. to Mary Mother of the Church for 10:00 am. Mass. Visitation Tuesday, August 5, 2025 from 4-8 p.m. The family invites everyone to wear red to honor Gil’s two favorite pastimes: St. Louis Cardinals and Cor Jesu Academy. Interment St. Martin’s Catholic Cemetery in Starkenburg, MO.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cor Jesu Academy, St. John Vianney High School, Nerinx Hall High School and St. Louis University High School.
“Love you, Papa.”
Gil was my manager at the IRS and I also worked with him also for six years. He was the most supportive manager I ever worked for. Such a kind and caring man. Never knew anyone who loved lady softball more. He will be greatly missed by all.
Worked with Gil at the IRS.
He was a very fine manager. A good person.
My his memory be a blessing.
I spent 33 years at IRS and while Gil wasn’t my manager he was always respected for his knowledge and leadership skills. I’m so sorry for the family’s loss of this kind and decent man. God Bless All of You.
I had a long history with Gil at the IRS. He was a great human being and a trusted friend. I’m grateful to have know him.
Gil was my Manager at the IRS for 29 years and he made my career truly special. He taught me so much more than I can ever put in words in both my professional and personal life. My talks with Gil over the many years brought me much joy and laughter. He loved his family very much and enjoyed going with them on trips especially to Cardinal Spring Training for the month of March. I considered Gil a close friend of mine and I will truly miss having our conversations. Gil was a special person and will be sorely missed. So sorry for Gil’s entire family on their loss.
I worked for and with Gil for many years. A professional at work but he also had a nice personal touch regarding our day to day life routines. We talked about work but equally important, talked about personal stuff. As an example, I was always impressed about how much he knew about IH Farmall tractors and how he spent so many hours operating them on the farm near Hermann, MO….that was Gil…multi talented. I will be unable to travel to the service but my heart and thoughts will be with Gil’s family. It is difficult to see him go but it also is wonderful that he was able to be around 83 years to do these things and be so much to so many. One more star in the sky.
Gil was my first manager at the IRS. I was there 33 years and Gil was willing to provide help any time I asked. He was well respected by everyone
We did not work with Gil at the IRS, but instead knew him as Papa Monnig who always made family his priority. Although his physical presence is not with us, his steadfast influence remains always in the hearts and minds of his daughters and their families. His easygoing and gentle soul will forever be in the memories of his 12 grandchildren.
I worked alongside Gil for many years and knew him as a dedicated public servant and utmost professional. He was loved and respected by his employees. I am grateful he was able to enjoy several years in retirement with his friends, family, and St. Louis Cardinals!
I worked with Gil for over 20 years at the IRS. While he was never my manager, he had so much wisdom about managerial things. He was always happy to share his wisdom with me. Anytime I was close to St Louis, I would let him know and we would do lunch or dinner. He had a unique sense of humor and always made me laugh.
I have heard so many good stories when I was teaching IRS Training Courses. He was great manager. I pray for his peace. 🙏
I don’t know if I have adequate words to describe the impact that Gil had on my life. Gil interviewed me 24 yrs ago for job in his division. A few years after getting the job he became my manager, my mentor and most importantly, my friend. He was an amazing human being. He was incredibly supportive, always encouraged me to be my best and was always available. He always dispensed sage advice and had 2 major rules: work hard, play hard and ALWAYS ask for forgiveness. Gil always talked about his daughters and grandkids, he was always so proud of them, he loved you all so much! I am very close in age to his daughters, he often would tell me that I could’ve been one of his own kids. Even after he retired we would have long phone calls catching up. My last call with him was last October, he always called me “kiddo” and I will miss hearing that. It was truly a blessing and an honor to be a part of the IRS family of his. I will miss him! Thank you Gil for my making life meaningful and fun!