Sheridan Skeen

Sheridan Ray Skeen, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, at the age of 77.

Born on March 9, 1947, he received the nickname "Peanut" by his family since he arrived prematurely and was such a small baby.

Sheridan grew up on a farm near Kankakee, Illinois, where he was raised by his grandmother, Lena, along with Myron and Charlotte Skeen who instilled in him the values of hard work and compassion that shaped his life's path. A strong athlete and scholar, he attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he played football and cultivated a lifelong love of learning. Sheridan went on to earn his master's degree in social work from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, setting the foundation for a career devoted to service and advocacy.

From 1971 through the late 1990s, Sheridan dedicated himself to a career in social work, focusing on adoptions, child protection services, and supporting teen parents. His passion for making a difference extended to serving on the Minnesota Board on Aging, where he worked to enhance the lives of seniors, and to the College of St. Benedict, where he taught classes in social work, inspiring the next generation of professionals.

A fierce advocate for education equity, Sheridan was the lead plaintiff in Skeen v. State of Minnesota, a case that challenged the state's process in providing sufficient and equitable funding to public schools. His commitment to community was further exemplified by his service for many years on the Community Education Advisory Board and on the School Board from 1981 to 1993 in Buffalo, Minnesota.

Sheridan found peace and inspiration in nature. He treasured his trip to Denali National Park in Alaska and loved exploring the natural beauty around Mille Lacs, Minnesota. While he wouldn't view himself as a true outdoorsman, he enjoyed dabbling in ice fishing and deer hunting but ultimately enjoyed the peace he seemed to obtain in the woods and near water.

Sheridan was a longtime member of the Lutheran church, where he could find some solace. He was also a passionate participant in local and state politics, serving frequently as a delegate to county and state DFL conventions, volunteering to door-knock for local candidates, and as a strong advocate for democratic ideals.

Sheridan was known for his intellectual curiosity, his love of reading, and his appreciation for the music of Bob Dylan and Kris Kristofferson, whose lyrics often mirrored his justice-oriented and rebellious spirit.

Sheridan is survived by his loving family, who will cherish the memories of his wit, humor, and stubbornness including his unwavering support of the Green Bay Packers. He is survived by daughter Kari and husband Jeff Lenzmeier and their children Jakob and Kori; daughter Sarah and husband Aaron Schnell and their daughters Harper and Charlotte; and son Christopher Skeen and wife Sara and their children Connor, Callan, and McKinley. Also surviving are his brothers Vaughn (Bill) Patterson and John (Sue) Starasinich. He is preceded in death by his parents Myron and Charlotte Skeen and Lester Skeen and Wanda Starasinich.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Peterson Chapel Funeral Home in Buffalo, MN on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 6:30 PM. Pastor John Folkerds will officiate. Friends are invited to visit with family at the Funeral Home prior to the service from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

Memorials may be made to District 877 Scholarship Foundation (Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools) or to Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities.

The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, Minnesota assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com