John Martin Sheehy died on January 31, 2024 at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh.

He was born on October 28, 1932, to Walter P. Sheehy and Luella Gotto Sheehy in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

John attended St. Patrick's Elementary School and graduated from Central Catholic High School in Green Bay in 1950.

He received his B.S. degree from Marquette University in 1954 and two master's degrees and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

John is survived by his wife, Joan Tisch Sheehy, whom he married on June 11, 1962: a son, Jonathan of Oshkosh: and a son, Frederic (Anne) of Woodbridge, VA.

Grandchildren survive: Madylin Sheehy of Appleton, Kelly (Enzo) Diomeda of New Port Richey, FL, Grace Sheehy of Woodbridge, VA and Cooper Sheehy of Boston, MA, and great-grandson Gianni Diomeda.

He is pre-deceased by his parents, two sisters, Mary Lou Garsow, and Virginia Lepp, both of Green Bay.

John began his teaching career in 1957 in Pulaski, Wisconsin after serving in the U.S. Army Medical Service for two years. He taught English in and also served as assistant principal and principal of Pulaski High School.

He left Pulaski to pursue full-time graduate study receiving his Ph.D. in 1967. He served as principal of Aspen High School in Aspen, Colorado, leaving there in 1969 to become planning principal and then executive principal of the West Bend, Wisconsin High Schools. He also served as principal of Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Heights, IL and in 1979 became principal of Oshkosh West High School from which he retired in 1994.

In 2003 he served as interim principal of Lourdes High School and St. John Neumann Middle School in Oshkosh.

John was active at the state level on the Governor's Council on Library and Network Development, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic association where he served two terms as chairman, and the Association of Wisconsin of Wisconsin School Administrators of which he was a founding member.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at a later date.

Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home
402 Waugoo Ave.
Oshkosh WI 54901
(920) 231-1510

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

Published by Oshkosh Herald from Feb. 2 to Mar. 2, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for John Sheehy

Sponsored by Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home - Eastside.

13 Entries

Jody Hergert-Andresen

February 19, 2024

I was sorry to read about Dr. Sheehy's passing. I remember him from high school. He was professional, dignified but also kind to me and the other students I observed him with. He is remembered with fondness.
Jody Hergert-Andresen
Class of 1980

Josh Patterson

February 6, 2024

I've been fortunate to have had great teachers and principals throughout my academic career, Including the principals. From Ivan Werner and Bill Holm to Doc Sheehy. All walked the halls more often than not with a smile on their faces, but John's was undeniably the widest and brightest! It was always great to bump in to Doc once in a while around town!

John Timmerman

February 5, 2024

He was a really good person to talk to and just a all around person.

Robert Roberts

February 4, 2024

He was my principal and Oshkosh West High School from 1989 till I graduated in 92 he was a very polite gentleman always would say hi to you or slow down. So sad to see all the good ones going but God Rest his soul and rest in peace.

Jancee (Zeitler) Doemel

February 4, 2024

It was so nice getting to see Dr Sheehy in 2022 at my Dad´s tennis facility naming event. My sincerest condolences to his family.

Alan Gruse

February 4, 2024

"Doc" Sheehy had such a lasting, positive impact on my life. I didn't recognize how much at the time, just that he was pretty cool for a principal. Alan Gruse. Class of 1980

Kathy williams

February 3, 2024

John, you will forever be eating snickerdoodle cookies in heaven. Thank you for your kindness throughout the years at Lourdes. You will be missed but not forgotten. Blessing and prayers to you all for a loss of a great man. Heavenly hugs, Kathy Williams ps send me some Alabama sunshine!!!

Steve Verhoeven

February 3, 2024

What a good kind and thoughtful man, who provided leadership to colleagues, staff, and students who had the privilege of knowing him. He will remembered by all those lives he touched and crossed paths with!

Gerald Forseth

February 3, 2024

I worked with John from 1984 till 1992 at West High where he was Principal and I was the Police School Liaison Officer ! He was one of the nicest guy I ever worked for & with ! The World lost one of it´s FINIST !!!

Dan Lenz

February 3, 2024

He was a good man rip sir!

Dawn (Reinders) Due

February 3, 2024

There will never be another principal as cool as Doc Sheehy! From those crazy plaid pants to the, "And where should you be right now?", he kept us on our toes! As the 8th and final Reinders to graduate West, Doc Sheehy gladly celebrated my departure with a sheet cake! May his memory continue to be a blessing to his family, friends, and the communities he impacted throughout his career.

Dawn Reinders OWHS Indians- Class of 1988

Tracey Reinders

February 3, 2024

Doc Sheehy was an awesome principal at OWHS and an even better person when I became an adult. The biggest of smiles and heartiest of laughs when I'd run into him. My deepest condolences to his wife and sons.
Tracey Reinders Class of 1987

Janet (Tisch, Robaidek)

February 2, 2024

Joan. I am so sorry for your loss! I didn´t know John, I knew you were both teaching at Pulaski when I met Wayne (Robaidek), but never got to meet him. You had moved by the time I moved to Pulaski. Again , I know how hard it is to lose someone you love! I am so sorry!

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