Philip Shea

Philip Michael Shea was born on September 17, 1927 in Leaf Valley Township, Douglas County, Minnesota to William and Minnie (Guenther) Shea . Philip was united in marriage to LaVerne Hockert on October 23, 1954 at the Basilica in Minneapolis. The couple resided in Brooklyn Center for a long time before retiring and moving to Lake Aaron in 2001. He served in the Army during the Korean War and was employed at World Aerospace for 38 years. He loved his John Deere tractor, mowing the yard and working in the yard. Phil was fun loving and a jolly man who loved to kid around and give nicknames to almost everyone he knew. Phil and LaVerne enjoyed traveling and wintering in Texas the past 10 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Millerville American Legion. Philip adored his wife LaVerne, his kids, grandkids and most recently his great-granddaughter. Philip passed away peacefully on March 18, 2010 at the age of 82 after suffering a massive stroke surrounded by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, LaVerne of Millerville; sons, Tim Shea of Anoka and Tom Shea of Coon Rapids; daughter, Tammy (Tom) Malat of East Gull Lake; grandchildren, Dan Malat of Otsego, Melissa (Christian) Medford of St. Cloud, Keith Shea of Gulf Breeze, FL, Derek Shea of Mammoth Lakes, CA, and Jackie Shea of Ramsey; great-granddaughter, Madison Medford; brothers, Jim Shea of Roseville and John (Nancy) Shea of Roseville; sisters Loretta Wilken of Alexandria and Betty (Neil) Ostlund of Alexandria; and many other friends and relatives. Phil was preceded in death by his son, Todd in 1965; parents, William and Minnie; brothers, Leo, Al, and Hubert; sisters, Marguerite Haskins and Helen Bailey; a niece and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Millerville with Reverend LeRoy Scheierl officiating. Music was provided by organist, Kim Byrne and soloist, Ann Ackerman. Interment was in the Church of Seven Dolors Catholic Cemetery in Millerville. Casket bearers were grandsons, Dan Malat, Keith Shea, and Derek Shea; and nephews, Tom Shea, Bob Wilken, and Ron Shea. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.