1914
William
2015
William Shea
February 19, 1914 — March 3, 2015
Memorial services for Bill Shea will be held at 11AM Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at St. Theodore Catholic Church in Albert Lea. Father Timothy Reker and Deacon Mike Ellis will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment in St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery is planned for the spring. Military honors will be held directly after the service.
William "Bill" L. Shea, age 101, of Albert Lea passed away peacefully March 3, 2015 at Thorne Crest Retirement Community in Albert Lea surrounded by his family. Bill was born February 19, 1914 to Catherine (Fitzgerald) and William P. Shea in Bath Township, MN. He grew up in Albert Lea and was a lifelong member of St. Theodore Catholic Church. He graduated from St. Theodore High School and went on to attend St. Mary's College.
Bill Shea served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Air Metal for flying 23 combat missions in a B24 against Japanese targets in the South Pacific. He was also awarded Campaign Stars for participation in the Battle of Buna and the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. Upon returning from overseas Bill was stationed in Tucson AZ where he married Jeanne (Ahern) Shea on February 19, 1944. After the war they returned to Albert Lea.
Bill owned and operated Shea's Ice Cream Store for 20 years. He later was a district sales manager for AAA for 10 years. Bill was actively involved in many organizations over the years, including the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degree, Golden Kiwanis, Elks Club, Meals on Wheels, VFW, and American Legion. Bill was a proud Irishman and an avid golfer.
Bill is survived by his children, Maureen C. Birum (David) of Osage, IA and Daniel J. Shea (Laura) of Ham Lake, MN; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jean L. (Speltz) Shea; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeanne; infant daughter, Ellen; brothers, John, Paul, Joseph, and Francis Shea; and sister, Catherine Cashman.
Memorials preferred to charity of donor's choice.
William "Bill" L. Shea, age 101, of Albert Lea passed away peacefully March 3, 2015 at Thorne Crest Retirement Community in Albert Lea surrounded by his family. Bill was born February 19, 1914 to Catherine (Fitzgerald) and William P. Shea in Bath Township, MN. He grew up in Albert Lea and was a lifelong member of St. Theodore Catholic Church. He graduated from St. Theodore High School and went on to attend St. Mary's College.
Bill Shea served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Air Metal for flying 23 combat missions in a B24 against Japanese targets in the South Pacific. He was also awarded Campaign Stars for participation in the Battle of Buna and the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. Upon returning from overseas Bill was stationed in Tucson AZ where he married Jeanne (Ahern) Shea on February 19, 1944. After the war they returned to Albert Lea.
Bill owned and operated Shea's Ice Cream Store for 20 years. He later was a district sales manager for AAA for 10 years. Bill was actively involved in many organizations over the years, including the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degree, Golden Kiwanis, Elks Club, Meals on Wheels, VFW, and American Legion. Bill was a proud Irishman and an avid golfer.
Bill is survived by his children, Maureen C. Birum (David) of Osage, IA and Daniel J. Shea (Laura) of Ham Lake, MN; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jean L. (Speltz) Shea; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeanne; infant daughter, Ellen; brothers, John, Paul, Joseph, and Francis Shea; and sister, Catherine Cashman.
Memorials preferred to charity of donor's choice.
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