Robert Shea

Madison - Robert Frank Shea passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 16th at HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg. He began his new journey after a brief illness.

He was born October 14th, 1927 in Waukegan, Illinois. The second child of Rollo & Laura Shea, he spent his childhood in Waukegan until entering the University of Wisconsin in Madison. At the UW he was an athlete, as well as a scholar. He played football for the UW, but baseball was his passion. He played baseball for the Badgers, and went on to play a short time for the farm team of the Chicago White Sox. While at the UW he met his wife and life partner Rosemary Watson Shea. They married in Madison on Sept, 23rd, 1950. They raised four sons, William, David, Robert, and Steven. His life was devoted to his wife, his sons, and his business. He worked most of his life building Wingra Stone and Redi-Mix, which had been started by his father in law. When not at work, he enjoyed skiing, golf and friends. He was member at Blackhawk Country Club, and a founding member of Heritage Congregational Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary, as well his Parents and older brother Harvey. He is survived by his four sons, Bill (Jill), Dave (Cheryl), Bob (Patti), and Steve (Valerie).

He has 13 grandchildren: Kim, Heather, Ashley & Jeff (Bill & Jill) Shea; Alex & Samantha (Dave & Cheryl) Shea; Jennifer, Stephanie, Chad & Eric (Bob) Shea; and Laura, Elizabeth, & Tyler (Steve & Valerie) Shea. There are 9 Great Grandchildren, all in the Bill Shea Family and living in the Denver area: Maddie, Keigan, & Reagan Brady (Kim & Jeremy); Logan & Morgan Scheller (Heather & Eric); Austin, Ally, Abby Shea (Jeff & Amie); Maryn Seid (Ashley & Brian).

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 25th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL HOME on Speedway Road in Madison. The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 26th with visitation at 9:30 a.m. and funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at HERITAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 3102 Prairie Rd, Madison.

The family requests memorials be made in Robert's name to HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 Cheryl Parkway, Madison, 53711 or the Heritage Congregational Church.

Our deepest appreciation to the staff of St. Mary's Care Center, as well as the HospiceCare Staff for the wonderful loving care they provided to Robert and the support they gave to the family.