Edwin Leroy Monnin

Edwin Leroy Monnin, 95, of Girard, died on Sunday March 29, 2026
He was born on September 20, 1930, a son to the late Norman and Vernie (Stopp) Monnin.
Edwin grew up in Meadville, he was then inducted into the United States Army in 1952 during the Korean War. He served with the 223rd Infantry Regiment a part of the 40th Infantry Division. The regiments’ role was primarily defensive, holding key hill positions while repelling enemy probes by the Chinese and North Korean Forces. Positioned along the central front near the Punch Bowl area. The unit was involved in several significant battles including Outpost Eerie and Hill 812 where sustained engagements of small units fought fierce, close-range battles for control of key observation points. As well as Kumsong and Heartbreak Ridge sectors where continued patrol clashes as well as artillery duels during the final stages of the war. Edwin was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the United Nations Service Medal. Edwin served one year and two months in foreign service before returning to the United States and being Honorably Discharged. 
Following his Honorable Discharge, he began a life of working with his hands-a true craftsman. Together with his brother, he founded ELM Construction in Meadville, building homes and additions throughout the community. He was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his deep pride in a job well done. His strong work ethic carried into every aspect of his life, as he constantly sought to improve and create, always with a thoughtful word and a pipe in hand.
Edwin found peace and joy in the outdoors. He loved tending to his garden, especially the peach trees he cultivated year after year. He faithfully fed the birds that visited his yard and looked forward to hunting season each fall, walking quietly through the woods. He also enjoyed fishing on Pymatuning Lake, often casting a line from the side of his boat.
At home, Edwin was happiest surrounded by family and friends. He enjoyed evenings of cards and laughter. Those evenings also included a great passion of his of playing guitar. His abilities outgrew the old six string, moving to a twelve string guitar named Marty. He enjoyed tinkering in his workshop on new projects, and taking his grandchildren for tractor and four-wheeler rides. A steadfast and loving patriarch, Edwin guided his family with quiet strength, wisdom, and unwavering care-leaving behind a legacy built as much from love as from the hands that shaped it.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Gaither) Birr; second wife, Elsie (Haylit)(Casper) Monnin; sister, Dolly Monnin; brother, James Monnin and Albert Monnin; son-in-law, Albert “Skip” Veshinfsky
He will be greatly missed by his family which include his daughters, Judy Veshinfsky and Cathy St. Denny; Virginia Marchetti (Steven); step-daughter, Cindy Haylit; sister, Jean Sedlak; brother, Donald Monnin (Marylin); grandchildren, Sean Veshinfsky, Ashley Veshinfsky (William Lewis), Jacob Hall, Kevin Hall; great-grandchildren, Jodi Hall, Aubrey Hall, Gus Hall, Olivia Hall and Emma Hall. 
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Families of the Wounded Fund, Inc. P.O. Box 5327 Midlothian, Virginia 23112-0023
Services will be privately held by the family. 

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