Monica Marie Weinzapfel

Monica Marie Weinzapfel, known to the many who love her as “Moni” passed to the other side at her home the evening of August 13, 2025, in the loving care of family and friends.

Monica was born in Evansville, Indiana, June 3 rd , 1952, the daughter of the late Linus “Mac” Weinzapfel and Edith (née Schenk) Weinzapfel Hagan. In addition to her father, she was predeceased by her brother-in-law Mike Morrow, and her stepfather John Hagan.

Monica is a graduate of Evansville’s Mater Dei High School. She then earned her undergraduate degree from Southern Indiana University where she discovered a love for theatrical costuming. The encouragement of a kind mentor propelled her to Northwestern University where she took her Master of Fine Arts. From there, she would go on to teach at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, and to an Assistant Professor position at the University of Virginia. In 1987, Monica came to Radford University where she found a professional and artistic home teaching and mentoring generations of students until her retirement in 2019.

A tireless worker, Monica was a stalwart member of the Department of Theatre at Radford University and an unyielding advocate for students. She not only guided students but was a caring mentor to many young faculty. Monica was known for being the first one to work each morning and not leaving until the job was done. As a valued member of the United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT), Monica served as Section Chair of USITT-Southeast. She served on the board of the national organization and for several years was a member of the Conference Commission and the Costume Commission. At Radford University, Monica completed many fabulous costume designs for productions. She was well-known and respected in the campus community as a reliable and generous colleague.

Outside of teaching, Moni spent as much time as she could with horses, ideally outdoors. Monica was a devoted horse person who loved animals as much as she loved her human companions. She studied dressage and relished the time she spent with her horses and her equestrian friend-family. Monica loved baking for her neighbors and reading about science. She remembered every birthday and every special occasion with a thoughtful card or beautifully wrapped gift. If friend or family, human or animal, needed her for anything, she was right there for them. Without qualification, if Monica is your friend, then you know what it is to have a true friend.

Surviving to miss her so much are her mother Edith Weinzapfel Hagan, her sisters, Janie Antes (Tom), Kristine Morrow, Beth Spaetti (Jerry), brothers Kurt Weinzapfel (Becky), and Mark Weinzapfel (Jane). In addition, she leaves sixteen nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her horse companion Izzy and feline friend Lizzie. Her Virginia family consisted of too many dear ones to name and, of course, hundreds of students whose lives she impacted in countless ways.

A celebration of this extraordinary life will be held at Radford University on a date yet to be determined. Monica will return to St. Phillips, Indiana, where a private graveside service will see her to rest near her father.

The family would like to say a heartfelt thanks to all the neighbors and friends who helped ease Monica on the way. They are also grateful to the wonderful people at Good Samaritan Hospice for their amazing kindness and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Carl H. Lefko and Monica Weinzapfel Endowed Travel Scholarship at Radford University (https://connect.radford.edu/carl-h.-lefko-and-monica- weinzapfel-endowed-travel-scholarship) or to Good Samaritan Hospice of the New River Valley (https://www.goodsam.care/ways-to-give). Arrangements are in the care of Horne Funeral Home.