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John E. Sheehan obituary, 4/12/06


John E. Sheehan, age 82, of Winsted, died Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at Odyssey Hospice Care in Mesa, Ariz.
John was born Feb. 20, 1924 in Seattle, Wash. to the late William and Elizabeth (Ellis) Sheehan. He grew up in Bird Island, Minnesota, and graduated from St. Mary’s High School, Bird Island, in 1943.
He joined the US Air Force immediately after graduation, and served in the Air Force during World War II, and with the National Guard during the Korean War.
John was united in marriage to Mary Helen Frassel June 17, 1947 at St. Mary’s Church, Bird Island.
John was self-employed in the plumbing and heating business in Winsted for more than 30 years.
He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted, the Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Order of Foresters for many years. He was also past president and a member of the Winsted Civic and Commerce Association, and a longtime member of the American Legion.
John and Helen enjoyed their summers on Lake Mary, and winters in Mesa, Ariz. for the past 17 years. John loved to fish and play cards, woodworking, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan.
John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helen; and their eight children: Katherine of Scottsdale, Ariz., James (Emily) of Howard Lake, Peggy of Spokane, Wash., Dr. Kelly (Pam) of Excelsior, Mark (Dr. Diane) of Lisle, Ill., Anne (Augie) of Scottsdale, Ariz., Dr. Timothy of Winsted, and Joel of Scottsdale, Ariz.
He is further survived by nine grandchildren; a brother, Fabian (Lorraine) of Bird Island; and a sister, Rosie of New Hope.
John was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elizabeth Sheehan; brothers Dick, Frank, Monsignor Joseph, Don, and Tom; and a sister, Mary.
Mass of Christian Burial was Thursday, April 20 at noon at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Winsted, with visitation at 10:30 a.m. at the church. The Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Forsters prayed the rosary at 11 a.m., followed by a Winsted American Legion service at 11:45 a.m.
Father Paul Wolf was the celebrant, and Deacon Dr. Mike Thoennes gave the homily. The organist was Alice Nowak, and the soloists were Cynthia Swanson and Dorothy Holmers. An American Legion gun salute concluded the service.
Honorary pallbearers were Dick Genty, Don Biske, Ben Weinbeck, Don Guggemos, Charles Millerbernd, Jerry Otto, and Dick Sterner.
Casket bearers were John’s five sons, Jim, Kelly, Mark, Tim, and Joel; and his grandsons, Cole Sheehan and Jaime Heines-Sheehan.
The Chilson Funeral Home in Winsted served the family.

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