Maurice William Shea

Maurice William Shea, a true lover of the land and a dedicated family man, was born to eternal life on October 17, 2024. Born on August 19, 1938, in Wabasha, MN, he was the son of James and Donna Shea. 

Maurice led a full life, graduating from Elgin High School and proudly serving in the reserves. He found his forever dance partner, Ruth Gathje, in Dover, and the two were joined in marriage on May 7, 1960. Together, they built a beautiful family raised in Christian faith, and cherished many years filled with love and laughter. 

A passionate farmer at heart, Maurice's love for the land was profound. Alongside his farming endeavors, Maurice also found joy in dancing, caring for quarter horses, and excelling in barrel racing, where he garnered numerous awards. Maurice enjoyed leisurely car rides to nowhere and attending card club gatherings with Ruth for over three decades. He relished evenings outs, especially a good Friday night fish fry and always cherished spending quality time with his family and friends 

Active in his community, Maurice dedicated his time to numerous organizations, including 4-H, the parish council, the cemetery board, the school board and the town board. His kind and giving nature touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him. Maurice is preceded in death by his parents, James and Donna Shea, his beloved wife Ruth, his infant son John, his sister Greta Ploetz; and his brothers-in-law, Francis Ploetz, Charlie Kingsley, and Richard Jostock.

He is survived by his children, Marie (Dave) Kvam of St. Charles, Mark (Jodi) Shea of Eyota, Pat Shea of Utica, Dennis (Sue) Shea of Plainview, Cathy (Roger) Kurth of St. Charles and Dan (Tasha) Shea of St. Charles; grandchildren, Andrea Bosak, April Kvam and David Kvam; Chelsie Blanshan, Charishe “Charlie” Shea, Casey Allen; Dana Davis, Adam Shea, Alex Shea, Mitchell Shea, Abby Shea, Tessa Severson, Sylvia Molina, Ryan Kurth; Lilli, Lybie, Larissa, Leah and Bryce Shea; 21 great-grandchildren, Henry, Lincoln, Max, Ada, Tristen, Teagan, Eli, Brooks, Vayda, Samuel, Tripp, Lennon, Rocco, Lane, Kelton, Tierney, Soren, Henry, Meta, Stanley, and Maren; his sisters, Marge Kingsley of St. Charles and Jeanine Jostock of Plainview; two brothers-in-law, Ronald Gathje of Stewartville and Martin Gathje of Owatonna, and one sister-in-law, Winnie Gathje of Stewartville.

 A Funeral Mass for Maurice will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Fr. Jonathan Fasnacht officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and will resume at the church following the burial until 6:00 p.m.