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Peter Douglas "Doug" Shears

Peter Douglas "Doug" Shears obituary, Wauwatosa, WI

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Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services

10121 West North Avenue

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Peter Shears Obituary

Peter Douglas Shears "Doug"

Wauwatosa - Born to Eternal Life on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at the age 52. Beloved husband for almost 24 years of Laura (nee Bass). Loving father of Alli, Lizzie, Maggie and Peter. Dear son of Pete and Eleanor, and brother of Barb Shears, Renee (Sam) Raisch and Margo (Myron) Shapiro. Son-in-law of Ralph and Mary Bass. Brother-in-law of Dianne Bass, Donna (Dave) Wiener and Paul Bass. Beloved uncle to Anna, Mary, Justin, Ryan, Kimmie and Christopher.

Doug was born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Toledo. He spent his grade school days at Gesu and attended St. Francis De Sales high school, where his love of soccer started. He graduated in 1987 as class president before making the trek east to Yale University-honing his social, rugby and engineering skills. A summer internship brought him to Briggs & Stratton in Wauwatosa, where he began his almost thirty-year career as an engineer, earned his Master of Electrical Engineering from MSOE and later became Director of Strategic Product Development. He was known as the guy who could take command at the "fuzzy front-end" of new and developing projects. His name can be found on many patents.

Some of Doug's fondest memories of his early years in Milwaukee were playing, competing, touring and socializing with the Milwaukee Rugby Club. The bonds of friendship have continued years past their active days.

Doug and Laura married in 1997. His greatest love was his four children. He was an incredibly involved dad, always ready to play, teach, guide, build, coach, and so much more. He had a life-long love of learning, coaching soccer, and solving problems; a passion for cooking (especially new and different cuisines); a quick wit and a profound inner strength to battle through fifteen years of stage IV colon cancer without missing a beat. He lived humbly and with much grace, but with a fierce conviction in his beliefs. His fight began on his birthday, fifteen years ago, and ended on his birthday, surrounded by family and embraced in love.

The family is trying to wrap their heads and hearts around the loss of Doug after his heroic battle. They are comforted to know that he is now with our Heavenly Father and is truly healed. He was a fighter. He is loved and he will be missed by so many.

Visitation Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 4:00pm until Time of Vigil Service at 8:00pm at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, 10121 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa. Visitation continues on Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 11:00am until Time of Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00noon at Christ King Catholic Church, 2604 N Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa. Procession and Committal Service to follow at Wauwatosa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to coloncancercoalition.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Feb. 8 to Feb. 10, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Shears

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Nancy H enkel

February 6, 2024

Doug was every teacher's dream! I was honored to work with him at Gesu School. Mrs. Nancy Hinkle

Patrick Bruener

February 14, 2021

To Doug's family - I am very sad and deeply sorry for your loss of Doug. I can only imagine how difficult this is for all of you. A bit of Doug rubbed off on all of us, and you can be sure that I will keep his spirit alive. I knew Doug through B&S, going all the way back to his days at Yale where a group of us met with Doug to learn about his engine emissions studies there. Doug's photo here with his easy dimpled smile really reflects his personality and spirit. What a remarkably bright and classy guy.

Marv Klowak

February 10, 2021

I had the privilege of working with Doug for most of his career at Briggs and Stratton including 20+ years at R&D. Doug had a distinguished career making significant contributions in a multitude of manners and areas. However, what is perhaps more important is how he conducted himself in all aspects of his work, always in a professional manner and with high integrity. He faced his cancer battle head-on and maintained a truly remarkable family and work balance throughout all of the trials and tribulations of fighting this terrible disease. Laura and family, I am so sorry for your loss, but please know that I believe that I can speak for all Doug's colleagues and friends at Briggs and Stratton that Doug left a significant mark on our world, and we will always have very fond thoughts of him from both personal and professional standpoint.

April Kadlecik Portanova

February 9, 2021

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.

Christine Murawa Foetisch

February 9, 2021

My deepest sympathies to Laura, the kids, Doug´s parents and sisters. I went to Gesu with Doug and grew up in Old Orchard with him. He was the smartest, kindest and funniest person. I am heartbroken for all his loved ones and so sorry he had to struggle with colon cancer for all those years but glad he fought so long so his kids got the benefit of knowing and loving him. Cancer is such a cruel disease. I lost my brother to it in our 8th grade year. I wish I could come and honor Doug in person at the funeral but living it Toledo still makes it difficult. I will honor my grade school friend but donating to the GoFundMe set up in his honor. He was one of the best!

Sister Ann-Marie Borgess, SND

February 9, 2021

Sincere sympathy on the loss of Doug, an amazing man who fought long and hard. My prayers are with all of you. Mrs. Shears, my mom (who is deceased) was always so fond of you. I know she is praying for you at this sad time. May God´s care touch you deeply. Lots of love to Margo.

Máiréad Fyda

February 9, 2021

Sincerest condolence to each and all of Dougs family, especially Laura.. Ellie & Pete. No words make these times easy. Prayers & love so you all feel Gods grace keeping Dougs love close always.x

Nancy Henkel

February 9, 2021

He was a dedicated student at Gesu, in my homeroom. What a sad loss, way too young! My condolences to his family.

Ben Ferber

February 9, 2021

Dear Peter,
We are incredibly sorry for your loss. We cannot even imagine what it's like to lose someone so precious to you. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
With much love and support,
The Ferber Family

Gabe Matyas '24

February 9, 2021

My heart goes out to your family for this devastating loss. My best wishes to your family.

Morning Stars Arrangement

Love, Katie Woody and family

Sent Flowers

Steve Lavender

February 8, 2021

I worked with Doug at Briggs and Stratton. He had a career to be proud of and was one of the classiest most professional people you could ever hope to meet.

Sister Grace Mary Croft, SDS

February 8, 2021

To the Shears Family, I send condolences and a promise that the Sisters of the Divine Savior will keep you our prayers at this difficulty time. May God wrap you in this loving arms and those of your family, friends and your DSHA Family.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

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Memorial Events
for Peter Shears

Feb

10

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services

10121 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Feb

10

Vigil

8:00 p.m.

Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services

10121 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Feb

11

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Christ King Catholic Church

2604 Swan BLVD, Wauwatosa, WI

Feb

11

Mass of Christian Burial

12:00 p.m.

Christ King Catholic Church

2604 N Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa, WI

Funeral services provided by:

Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services

10121 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226

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