Obituary: Eugene "Gene" Sheldon

MADISON - Eugene "Gene" Sheldon, age 77, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on Dec. 21, 1930, in Madison, to Christopher and Marie (Rigert) Sheldon. Gene attended elementary school at St. Raphael Cathedral Catholic School in Madison and graduated from Central High School. He was united in marriage to Theresa Dahmen on Nov. 21, 1959, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Middleton. Gene was employed by Madison Newspapers for 43 years, retiring in April 1995. He then worked part time for Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, retiring in 2007. Gene was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish and the Knights of Columbus No. 4527. Gene is survived by his wife, Theresa; sons, William (friend, Lynnell Kaat), of Madison and Daniel, of Arena; his cousins, Dean (Anna) Sheldon of Mazomanie, Betty Coyle, of Cross Plains, Don (Rona) Sheldon, of Janesville and Arlene (Farrell) Bob Winner of Madison. He is further survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Chris Dahmen, of Janesville, Fidalia (Dale) Breunig, of Sauk City, Greg Dahmen, of Middleton, Florian (Charlene) Dahmen, of Waunakee, Donald (Gerry) Dahmen, of Westport, Neddy (Leon) Juris, of Middleton and many nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Thomas; father and mother-in-law, Anton and Elizabeth (Schoepp) Dahmen; niece, Amy Juris; nephew, Vernon Dahmen; sisters-in-law, Emma (Hruby) Dahmen, Mary Ann (Simon) Dahmen and a brother-in-law, Leo Breunig. A Memorial service will be held at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison at noon on Monday, Nov. 17, 2008, with Monsignor Kenneth J. Fiedler presiding. Family and friends may call on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Our Lady Queen of Peace School Endowment. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the nurses at 6B at the UW Hospital and also to the nurses and staff of HospiceCare for their loving and compassionate care. Gunderson West Funeral and Cremation Centers 7435 University Ave (608) 831-6761

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 16, 2008.