Wilfred Edward Shea, of Monroe, Wis., died peacefully Jan. 13, 2022 at Monroe Clinic Hospice Home.
He was born in Hinsdale in 1930 to Wilfred and Kathleen (Hague) Shea and was raised in Clarendon Hills. Wil was the eldest of five children in his proud Irish Catholic family. He attended St. Isaac Jogues School in Hinsdale and Quigley High School in Chicago.
He committed his life to the Catholic faith for approximately 40 years. He loved to travel and was fortunate enough to have been around the world twice. He had an expansive vocabulary and spoke many languages. Wil married Marilyn (Gensler) Ripp at 52 years old and had the two loves of his life, his children, Sean and Craig.
Besides spending time with his kids and grandkids, Wil loved to read, filling his house with towers of books.
He also enjoyed cigars, coffee, martinis, dancing to big band and jazz, watching pro football and Notre Dame football, politics and fine dining.
Wil had a way of making a lasting impression on everyone he met; always making you feel special. His positive attitude and kind heart will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his children, Sean (Cara) and Craig (Kalie); his step-children, Ryan (Ruzica) Ripp, Kari (Dan) Rosenstiel, Brent (Kelly) Ripp and Tyler Ripp; his three grandchildren, Cillian, Niall and Evelyn; his siblings, Terry (Pat) Shea and Annie (Larry) Emmons; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Kay (Tom) Heylin and Mary (John) Knowles; and his nephew, Larry.
A graveside service was held Jan. 19 at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.
Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale handled the arrangements.