Monica Dinauer

Longtime Verona, WI resident and Verona Public Library icon of a certain era, Monica Rose Dinauer (née Martens) returned her final book to the great library in the sky on October 8, 2026 in Madison, WI. She was a much-beloved Mother, Wife, Sister, Friend, and Colleague.

Born in May of 1928, she was raised by her widowed mother along with her seven siblings in Stevens Point, WI in the decades following the Great Depression and into World War II. Monica attended Stevens Point Catholic schools and worked at myriad after-school jobs, before graduating in 1946 from Saint Joseph’s Academy and working at the nearby Hardware Mutual headquarters as a legal clerk.

Much courted during this time, little did Monica know that a man from an Oak Creek, WI farm family would come into her life, and not leave until death did they part. A lifelong journey that began as a blind date culminated in marriage when Monica wed Richard C. Dinauer in 1952. They had homes in Merrill, WI and the west side of Madison before moving to Verona in 1957.

Many of her fellow Veronans may remember Monica from her years working at the public library from 1968 until her retirement in 1993. Monica oversaw and read for the very popular Story Hour for many years. One of her final acts was to bestow forgiveness upon any misbehavior in the library, and any late fines accrued during her time there.

Those who knew Monica were well familiar with her irreverent humor, along with her deep devotion to family and friends. She was a member of many card clubs throughout the years, and enjoyed trips across the United States and overseas with Richard, to the Northwoods, and with her grandkids. Monica was invested in Verona, whether doing her shifts at the Optimist Club brat stand during Hometown Days, or when in retirement, reading to students at the former Verona Middle School. Reading was Monica’s greatest pleasure, which was fitting for a librarian. She could always be found with a stack of books, newspapers, and magazines ready to be devoured.

Monica was much loved by her children, Mary Dinauer, Susan Dinauer (William Salvi), William Dinauer (Celine), Stephen Dinauer (Leslie), and Christopher Dinauer; seven grandchildren, James Duguid, Ashley Dinauer (Michael Batt), Amanda Lofgren (Garrett), Ethan Dinauer (Kinsey), Nelia Salvi, Livia Salvi, and Jack Dinauer; and two great-grandchildren, Bennett and Richard. Monica is also survived by her sisters Marjorie Zaske and June Carlson. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Richard C. Dinauer, and her parents George and Alma (née White), brothers Matthias, George, and Thomas, and sisters Sister Mary Christine and Nona Higgins.

Monica’s life was defined by generosity, devotion to family, and a willingness to give of herself to others. Her legacy can be found not only in the family and friends she loved so deeply, but also in the countless people she helped, the young lives she influenced, and the communities she called home. The ripples of her life will be felt for some time.

Her family would like to thank the staff at All Saints Memory Care and Agrace Hospice Care for their compassionate tending to Monica’s needs in her most recent years.

A private burial service will take place at Saint Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Verona. Family and friends are planning for a Celebration of Life in Spring 2027. In lieu of flowers, please remember Monica with a gin and tonic while watching the Packers, and consider a donation in her memory to the Verona Public Library Endowment or Society of St. Vincent de Paul - Madison.