Daniel-Shea-Obituary

Daniel Edward Shea

Obituary

Daniel Edward Shea, 71, of Beloit, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 while in Chile. Dan was born on November 5, 1941 near Oshkosh, Wisconsin the son of Walter and Genevieve (Barry) Shea, and married the former Jennifer Fox. In 1963, Dan received his B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Wisconsin. He continued his studies at the University of Wisconsin, receiving a M.A. of Anthropology in 1967, and Ph.D. of Anthropology in 1969. His primary interest was in Latin American archaeology with minor interests in Latin American Geography and History. Dan was a professor at Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin for 44 years, teaching courses on Mesoamerica, South America, Probability Statistics, History of Anthropology, and Ancient Civilization. He enjoyed reading books about the history of science and philosophy, riding motorcycles, hunting, short wave radios, and his Chihuahua dog named Tito. Dan is survived by his wife, Jennifer, son, James Shea, daughter, Genevieve Shea, granddaughter, Lucy Carney, sisters, Gail (Bill) Foristal, and Claire (Marty) Renz, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and son, Jeremiah Shea. Hansen-Gravitt Funeral Home, 424 Prospect Street, Beloit, Wisconsin 53511 is honored to be assisting the family. Visitation is 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 29, 2012 at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial is 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 30, 2012 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 840 East Grand Avenue, Beloit, Wisconsin 53511 followed by a committal service at Mt. Thabor Cemetery in Beloit. Memorials may be made to Beloit College in memory of Dan. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hansengravitt.com.

Guest Book

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Remembering Dan on his birthday. I will miss and mourn him for a very long time.

Jen, you are so often in my mind! It is such a hard road to travel alone - Just know that you are in the hearts and prayers of many!

I just learned of Dan's death in Chile last month. It was very sad news. All of his students were fortunate to have known him. He really never got the recognition that he deserved, but that didn't seem to bother him.
I hope that Anthropology will continue to grow and prosper at Beloit and build on what Dan accomplished.

Rick Yerkes (73) Professor of Anthropology, Ohio State University.