Monica (Giesken) Zirfas, daughter of Joseph and Lula Belle (Hawk) Giesken, was born on January 23, 1933, in rural Burlington Junction, Missouri. Monica attended rural schools and in 1951, she graduated from Horace Mann High School, Maryville, Missouri. In June 1951, Monica started her career at Northwest Missouri State University. In 1964, she was promoted to Administrative Assistant to the President and Secretary to the Board of Regents. She supported three presidents at Northwest and retired in January 1988, after 37 Years.

On April 26, 195, she married the love of her life, Wilbert (Willie) Zirfas, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Maryville, Missouri. They made their first home in rural Conception Junction, Missouri, and then purchased a farm southwest of Maryville, where they enjoyed farming, gardening, and a happy life together. Along with Monica’s devotion to Willie and the University, she loved God and her church. As a member of St Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church in Maryville. Monica was very active in St. Gregory Guild including St. Theresa’s Circle. She was also a member of the Bell Grove Club and the Horace Mann Alumni Association.

Monica passed away on August 21, 2026, at the age of 93, at Oak Pointe in Maryville, Missouri. She was preceded in death by Willie in 2018, her parents and siblings: Doris Wynn, Agnes Giesken, George Giesken, John Giesken, Joe Giesken, James Giesken, Mary Gallagher, and Thomas Giesken. Monica is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. 

A Rosary will be held Monday August 24th , at 6:00 p.m. at St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic Church in Maryville, Missouri with visitation to follow until 7:30pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, August 25th at 10:00 a.m. with burial in St. Columbia Cemetery in Conception, Missouri.

Memorials may be made to St Gregory Catholic Church or Zirfas Family Scholarship Fund at Conception Abbey.