Christopher John Sheridan Sr.

Christopher John Sheridan, Sr., age 88, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, at Avalon Square in Waukesha, WI on January 15, 2019. Chris was born on December 6, 1930, in Burlington, WI to Philip and Clara Sheridan. Preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jude M. Sheridan (nee Hartz), and his siblings Ethel Schenkenberg, Lester Johnson, Edna Calvano, and Philip Sheridan.

Chris grew up in Waukesha, WI and joined the Air Force after graduating from high school at the age of seventeen. Shortly after, he met Jude, his wife of nearly 67 years. They were married on August 25, 1951. The Air Force life meant moving often, and Chris and Judy lived all over the world, including Japan and Okinawa. By the time Chris retired from the Air Force in 1968, he and Judy had eight children! They moved back to Wisconsin, first living in Lodi and then settling in their hometown of Waukesha in 1975.

Chris devoted his life to his family which often meant working two, and sometimes three jobs in the early years. He was a dedicated provider and a warm and loving husband and father. He served his government and his country for 38 years; 20 years of active duty in the Air Force, and 18 years with the FAA. His accomplishments as a skilled air traffic controller were significant and are noted by letters of commendation for handling critical situations that saved lives and receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service while in Vietnam in 1967.

Chris was an avid reader and lifelong learner. His love of politics, history, and literature animated his life, and he passed his passion for learning onto to his children. He had a deep love of music, sometimes playing the guitar and singing, and often playing his favorites on the stereo. Chris and Judy together infused music into their children’s lives, and they fondly remember sing-along car trips and nights at home with Judy leading the group on piano. Chris was always the “life of the party.” A witty conversationalist, his laughter and humor engaged all those around him. He is loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Chris loved children and babies, and he was often surrounded by them. Known as “Papa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he always had a warm hug and kind words for them. All of them looked forward to visiting with Papa. His open heart and easy laughter will be remembered for generations to come.

Chris always made time for friends and extended family. He had many close and longtime friends who will sorely miss him. His eight adult children are best of friends and his siblings and his in-laws were among his best friends. He is survived by his children Michele (Shelly) Malin (Thomas) of Brookfield, WI; Michael Sheridan (Ronnie Farer), of New York, NY; Kathleen Sheridan (Daniel Schulman) of Chicago, IL; Christopher Sheridan, Jr. of Milwaukee, WI; Patrick Sheridan (Sarah Arnold) of Minneapolis, MN; Timothy Sheridan (Whitney) of Milwaukee, WI; Mary Sheridan of New York, NY; and Bridgette Sheridan (Margery Adams) of Cambridge, MA; 16 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Chris’s Catholic faith was central in his life and he spent many Sundays helping at mass, reading scripture from the lectern, and serving as a eucharistic minister.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Waukesha on February 23, 2019. Visitation will be at 11:00 a.m., Mass at 1:00 p.m. A reception to celebrate Chris’s life will be held after the Mass.

In honor of Chris’s well-lived life and in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to Avalon Square, 222 Park Place, Waukesha, WI 53186 are appreciated.

Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, Crematory and Preplanning Services is honored to serve the family. For further information, please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or visit our website at www.randledable.com for directions or to leave the family an online tribute message.


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