The mightiest of the “Mighty Sheehans,” Michael Dennis Sheehan, age 77, was welcomed into the
kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, June 19, 2021. Mike was born May 9, 1944 to Mary Gaddy Sheehan
and Michael Mathew Sheehan at Robbins AFBs, Georgia. His father was in the Air Force so “home” was
many places. From Dayton, OH they moved to Munich and Wiesbaden, Germany and then to San
Angelo, TX. It was there that he spent his grade school through high school years. Mike’s football career
received national attention. When he graduated in 1962, he chose the University of Notre Dame and
received a full scholarship. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1966. It was during his 2 nd year at ND that
he met Dorothy (Dee) Brand, his “Dee Bird” and they married on September 16 th , 1967.
Mike was in the Air Force ROTC program at Notre Dame and was ranked a 2 nd Lieutenant upon
graduation. His first assignment was at Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, TX. Their son, Michael Walter, was
born there in 1968. Mike was later stationed at Albrook AFB, Panama Canal Zone, Panama. It was during
their tour in Panama that their second son, Patrick Scott, was born. One of Mike’s greatest pleasures
and challenges was being a co-owner of a 40ft. ocean fishing boat, The Parrot. Pictures attest to the
wonderful experiences the family enjoyed living in Central America.
Mike was honorably discharged in 1973 and the family moved to San Angelo, TX where he became co-
owner of a ranch supply business. He later turned to the financial world and eventually became a very
successful Trust Department Officer. While living in San Angelo, Mike was very active in church, civic and
charitable groups. He served as President of numerous boards and was a longtime advocate for an
organization called Lighthouse for the Blind. One of Mike’s premier honors was his election to the Notre
Dame Alumni Board. He loved the Domers and was an avid and loyal fan. There was definitely time for
family also. He coached football many years for his sons’ teams and was a staunch supporter at all of
their games as they moved from grade school to high school. Mike and Dee moved to Sweetwater, TX
for a few years before retiring and moving to Elkhart Lake, WI, where Dee’s family had long owned a
cottage. Although he considered himself a Texan, he embraced and welcomed making new friends and
enjoying the beauty of Wisconsin.
Mike leaves a huge void in the lives of his family. Family was of upmost importance to Mike and the
family times together were always fun, great occasions. There was unfailing laughter and kidding
amongst each other and special bonds with each grandchild. He will be sadly missed by his wife, by his
son, Michael and wife, Jill of Fort Worth, TX, and their sons, Zach and Connor and son, Patrick and wife,
Sheridan of State College, PA and their children, Ainsley and Curran. He is also survived by his brother
and wife of Austin, TX, Pat and Kathy Sheehan and his sister and husband of Arden, NC, Nora and Cal
Bayne. He will also be missed by special cousins, Gail Forsyth and Mike Green of Northbrook, IL. Those
welcoming Mike in the home that God has prepared are his mother and father, Mary and Mike Sheehan
and his mother and father-in-law, Mildred and Walter J. Brand. He was also preceded in death by other
dearly missed relatives and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday morning (June 26, 2021) at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas
Aquinas Catholic Church in Elkhart Lake. Father Philip Reifenberg, Pastor of the Church, will officiate.
Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Sheboygan.
Visitation will take place on Saturday (June 26) at CHURCH from 9:30 AM until time of Mass.
Military Rites will be conducted following Mass.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Meals on Wheels of Sheboygan County, HSHS St. Nicholas
Home Health and Hospice, Elkhart Lake Improvement Association or a charity of your choice.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. For online condolences, please
visit www.suchonfh.com.
The family would like to express deep and heartfelt appreciation to all those who so kindly, cheerfully,
and expertly helped him during these past years. The many wonderful angels with Matthews Oncology
Associates, Home Instead, St. Nicholas Hospice and Home Health will always be remembered and
cherished. Special gratitude, love and respect go to Dr. S. Mark Bettag. His continual support, faith, and
friendship will occupy a special place in our hearts.
Mike, you will always be on my mind and forever in my heart. Rest easy, my dearest Miko. You fought
hard to live as long as you did. Family and friends cherished you and will dearly miss you. I will so miss,
“Dee Bird, I love you.” TU ES MOI.
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