Timothy John Sheehan, departed this world peacefully on June 1, 2025, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, following a defiant stand against chronic infection. He embarked on his journey on Oct. 15, 1954 in the heart of Ohio. He was a son to the late Wilma and Marshall Sheehan; and a brother to Roy Carston, Patrick Sheehan, and sister Marsha Jensen. He leaves behind an enduring legacy, his daughter, Emily Sheehan; grandson, Blake Tomandl; a brother-in-law, Mark Jensen; nieces and nephews, Jake and Sonja Jensen and Craig and Jackie Gordon and their delightful offspring, who will all miss his legendary New Year’s toasts.
Equipped with a pen mightier than a sword, Tim pursued journalism with a passion that could ignite even the dullest of newsprint, honing his craft at UWEC. His words danced across the pages of the Chippewa Herald and the Eau Claire Leader Telegram. Tim didn’t just write stories, he lived them, moving on to shape the narrative of empowerment as the Assistant Director and later the Director of the Center of Independent Living (Compass IL). His tenure as board member and President of APRIL was a triumph for disability rights as well. He was the recipient of numerous awards for his grant writing capabilities as well as his leadership. This was a man who found solace in listening to music, the silent battle out in nature between man and the unsuspecting deer or fish, and the warmth of a story well told. Intelligent and courageous barely scratches the surface of the man whose love for laughter was as infectious as his story-telling, each tale peppered with wit sharp enough to make even the most stoic philosopher crack a smile. Tim was also athletic as he joined the local wheelchair basketball team, The Chippewa Valley Wheelers, and played ferociously on the court all around the Upper Midwest for several years.
Tim’s life was not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well-preserved body, but rather he skidded in sideways with a hunting rifle in one hand and a Leinie’s in the other, completely worn out proclaiming “WOW, what a ride.” His curtain call may have come, but his memory will play in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate enough to know him. We’ll end with his direct quote:
“People with disabilities are human beings entitled to be viewed as such and supported as we all need to be, to achieve the dreams of our lives.”
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Sheehan Homestead (1393 M14 County Rd G, Milltown, Wisconsin 54858) with food and beverages provided.
