Monica Sticka Steinbeisser Zoanni, loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 103 on September 23, 2024, at the Sidney Health Center Extended Care with family by her side. She was the last surviving sibling of 12 children, six sisters and 5 brothers.

Monica was born January 15, 1921, in Belfield, ND to Jacob and Rosa (Heidt) Sticka. Due to hard times the family moved to Sidney, MT for work. They worked in the fields hoeing sugar beets to start.

During the course of her younger years, Monica worked various jobs. She graduated from Sidney High School in 1940. She met her first husband Frank Steinbeisser at St. Philomena's Church choir. One day he saw her feeding chickens and gathering eggs. He said to himself, “boy she would make a good farm wife.” The two were married March 1, 1943, and had 5 children: Rose Mary, Frankie, William, Monica Jean, and David. When Frankie was just a toddler he died from a terrible farm accident. Mom always cried on his birthday. Monica and Frank continued farming, raising sugar beets, grain, feeding cattle and sheep. They milked cows, sold eggs, butchered chickens, raised a garden and canned their fruits and vegetables. They raised their kids to be hard working and honest. Sunday and holy days were always spent at mass. The rosary was Monica's go to prayer, even ‘til the last moment. Frank died of a heart attack on May 6, 1967. The boys took over the farm, first Bill and then Dave joined him.

Monica married Donald Zoanni on February 14, 1970. Don had a dry land farm near Sioux Pass where they lived for a while. They eventually moved to Sidney and then built a house north of Sidney. After much traveling, Don developed Alzheimer's and needed constant care. Monica took care of him at home but eventually he was moved into the angel wing at Sidney Health Care Extended Care. Monica visited him every day until his passing on September 24, 2006.

Monica continued to live at home until November of 2023. She then moved to Sidney Health Care Extended Care, where she resided until her passing. Throughout life Monica enjoyed gardening, baking, and sewing (most notably jean quilts for the entire family).

Monica is survived by her four children: William (Linda), Rose Mary (Ladinsky), Monica Jean (Fleischmann) and David (Dawn); 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jacob and Rosa (Heidt) Sticka; son Frankie; first husband Frank Steinbeisser; second husband Donald Zoanni; sons-in-law Bob Fleischmann and Ken Ladinsky; and siblings Teresa (Mike Bosch), Baida (Joe Heiser), Emma Sticka, Rose (Francis Boyer), Betty (Bob Gonzalez), Joan (Gene Ostrem), John Sticka (Margaret), Joseph Sticka (Katie), Frank Sticka (Mae), Louis Sticka (Leona), and Jack Sticka (Deloris).

Memorial Contribution