Sean Thomas Tierney

Sean Thomas Tierney (47) left his family unexpectedly, and far too soon, on January 1, 2023.

Sean was born on November 23, 1975, to James and Lea (Sneed) Tierney in Madison, Wisconsin.  He was raised in Portage, Wisconsin, and lived there until 2009, when he relocated to Beaver Dam.  Sean was united in marriage to Rebecca Gerhartz on November 9, 1996.  Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Thomas and Henry.  Though they divorced in 2010, Sean and Rebecca remained close to raise their boys as a team.  Sean found love again in Melissa Kempfer, and together they had a son, Joseph, in 2012.  Though they recently separated, they were still co-parenting as close friends.

As a career over-the-road trucker, Sean spent most of his time in a semi, sometimes taking his boys along for the ride.  Though he loved those trips, what he really treasured was time spent outdoors with them.  As an avid outdoorsman, Sean shared his love for hunting and fishing with his sons as soon as they were walking; he shared his love for colorful words and jokes as soon as they were talking.  He will always be remembered as loud and crass, but also as a giant teddy bear and a fierce protector.

A larger-than-life presence, Sean was loved by many.  He will be forever missed by his sons:  Thomas, Henry and Joseph Tierney, and their mothers, Rebecca Tierney and Melissa Kempfer.  He is further survived by his sisters, Shannon (Darrel) Moll and Cynthia (Conall) Hoag; and brothers, Chauncey Tierney and James Tierney; nieces Jeanette (Jeffrey) Tierney-Helm, Emma Moll, Bridgette and Abigail Tierney and Eleina Hoag; nephews Chance Moll, Kegan Tierney and Emrys Hoag; siblings he gained when he married Becky: Michael Gerhartz, Christa Watts, Amy (Rory) Kennedy and Patrick (Victoria) Gerhartz and their parents, Robert Gerhartz and Christy Bahr; Melissa’s parents Dave and Kris Schumann, her brother Dave (Shelly) Schumann Jr and their extended family; loyal 4-legged pal Coby; many great-nieces and nephews; close childhood friend Michael (Jame) Fecht Jr., and too many friends to mention.

Sean was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lea Tierney.

Family and friends are invited to send Sean off on January 14, 2023, at Markesan Community Funeral Home, 868 North Margaret Street, Markesan.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., with a service led by Pastor Andy Brendemihl to follow. Because “food” was Sean’s second favorite 4-letter F-word, family and friends are invited to stay after the service for a potluck luncheon and fellowship.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Sean’s name and established at a later date.