Robert Sheridan
January 17, 1942 ~ November 19, 2020
Robert Patrick (Pat) Sheridan, age 78, of Lawler, Iowa died Thursday, November 19, 2020, at Gunderson Medical Center in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
A Memorial Mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler, with Rev. Nick Radloff celebrating the Mass. There will also be a 10:00 a.m. eulogy and family sharing led by John Cuvelier. PLEASE JOIN THE FAMILY SATURDAY AT 10:00 A.M. VIA FACEBOOK LIVE ON THE HUGEBACK JOHNSON FUNERAL HOMES FACEBOOK PAGE
Robert Patrick Sheridan was born on Jan. 17, 1942, to Edward and Virginia Sheridan and raised in Lawler, the little Irish town that captured his heart from the beginning. His older siblings included Claire, Annabelle and Mike. He had two younger brothers, Bill and Tom.
Early in life, he was tagged as Pat, and few people knew that his first name was Robert. He attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Grade School before heading to Lawler High School, where he was a member of the Class of 1960, the last class to graduate from the school before Turkey Valley was formed. Pat’s dad died when his children were young, and the Sheridan kids helped their mom by taking various jobs.
Pat was active in plays and other school activities. He was also popular with the girls because, as his brother Bill put it, he was a great dancer. At the teen hops, every girl in the room wanted to dance with Pat Sheridan.
Upon graduating from high school, Pat went to cosmetology school in Cedar Rapids to become a barber. After completing his courses, he taught at the school, which not only earned him a little extra money but also set him up for life. It was while teaching that he met a pretty student from Wellman named Jan Ellis. The two eventually began dating and were married on July 17, 1965, in Santa Cruz, California.
They loved California, where Pat’s sister Ann and her husband Gil lived, and he began to take classes at Cabrillo Community College. After getting his associate of arts degree, the Sheridans returned to Iowa, where Pat got his undergraduate degree in business education at UNI and took a teaching job in Ottumwa for one year before returning “home” to teach at Turkey Valley. He would later earn a master’s degree from Iowa State University.
His family grew to include Autumn, Ryan, Andrea and Kara, and those four children knew at an early age that they were blessed to have a father like Pat. They remember dancing on his toes as the kitchen radio played in the morning, driving with him to school and knowing their dad was the one they could turn to if they needed help with anything. That never changed through the years. If they had a problem, they knew they could talk to their dad.
At Turkey Valley, he was a gifted instructor for more than 30 years, teaching generations of kids keyboarding, drivers education, business and practical lessons like balancing a checkbook and learning how to spend wisely. Those lessons freshman Trojans learned in his general business classes are being used by Turkey Valley alums scattered all over the country today. What made Pat such a good teacher was the knack he had to “reach” every student. He understood the vital importance of teachers creating meaningful relationships with students, and they appreciated that. Countless times in recent days, the Sheridan children have heard the words “he was one of my favorites” from former students.
After retiring from Turkey Valley, he taught classes at Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar. As a testament to the relationships Pat built, NICC called in grief counselors for students after Pat passed away.
Pat loved Lawler and his church, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. He started the city’s website, posting often. He was one of the driving forces behind bringing Irish Fest back to the city. He was devoted to members of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, especially as he served as the church’s funeral liaison to families who had lost loved ones. They knew, quite simply, they were in the best of hands.
Pat had a hilarious sense of humor, and he had a penchant for coming up with the right line at the right time. One year at Irish Fest, he came and sat down next to his brother Bill and promptly announced that “the good-looking Sheridan” had arrived. He took as good as he gave, and if you didn’t leave a conversation with Pat with a smile, you had to be the grumpiest person to walk the face of the Earth.
Family, though, came first for Pat Sheridan, especially when it came to his grandchildren. Kayla, Nick, Victoria, Elizabeth, Abby, Connor, Boston, Alexa, Emma, Brady and Josie had a one-of-a-kind grandpa. Pat and Jan did everything in their power to attend every single one of their grandchildren’s events—be it a game, a play or a concert. If someone bought him a beer afterward, well, a perfect day got even better.
There are a million Pat Sheridan stories to be told, but maybe the best way to describe this happy, gregarious and loving man is to say he changed lives—the lives of his children, grandchildren, students, friends, his church and the little town he loved so much.
Pat wouldn’t want us to be sad at his passing; in fact, he told his children that he didn’t want them to cry when he died—he wanted them to toast to him. So they did, and as much as they will miss him, they will find peace knowing that he is in Heaven, cracking a few jokes and looking to the day when all the Sheridans will be reunited.
Pat is survived by his wife, Jan, of Lawler; his children, Autumn (Todd) Reynoldson of Maryville, Tennessee, Ryan (Diane) Sheridan of Denver, Iowa, Andrea (John) Pleggenkuhle of West Union, Iowa, and Kara (Nick) Speltz of New Hampton, Iowa; foster daughter, Amanda (Cory) Sabin of Decorah, IA; his siblings, Claire (Richard) Upham of Madison, Wisconsin, Ann (Guilbert) Morse of Santa Cruz, California, Bill (Renee) Sheridan of Johnston, Iowa, and Tom (Eleni) Sheridan of Ruskin, Florida; his 11 grandchildren; two foster grandchildren; nieces and nephews; former students; and a community and a church that were much better because of Pat’s tireless work and infectious smile.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Mike in 1995.
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So incredibly sad and shocking. Rest In Peace Pat. Sing an Irish song and have a beer with my dad💔
So sorry.
Prayers and sympathy to Pat’s family and friends. He was a tremendous asset to our community and will be missed by so many.
Jan and family: You have my deepest sympathy. I am heart sick to have my Irish friend gone. Pat was always so friendly. God rest his soul.
So sorry. Prayers for everyone
Sympathy to all your family 💙🙏
Pat’s family you’re in our thoughts and prayers! Great man who has positively affected many people!
So sorry and such sad news. Prayers and our sympathy to the Sheridan family!
Our thoughts and prayers to the Sheridan family.
Sorry for the families loss. He was a kind soul. Sending prayers
So very sad. Praying.
Sympathy and prayers for all the family!
We will definitely miss his smile and upbeat attitude. The Currans
Heaven has gained an incredible community planner! Sweet Pat.. so full of love and kindness. You will be deeply missed
So Sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. I have fond memories of him as a teacher (class of 80). My sympathies to the family. Keep your memories close.
Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.🙏🙏
Thoughts and prayers with his family ❤🙏❤🙏
So many years of friendship and memories. We send all our love and prayers to your family. Bill & Cheryl Mulder
Prayers and hugs to you, Kara, and family. Heaven gained a good one today! What a great man with a heart of gold with such a passion and love for his Lord our God! He was so welcoming to my husband and I at church events. His faith made mine grow! May you all find peace and cherish your memories! 💕🙏😇
Mom always looked forward to visiting with Pat and having him fix her hair once a week. The visiting was so much more important than having her hair done. He was always such a nice person. My condolences. Sue (Goss) Muth
Am so very sorry to hear this terribly sad news..my deepest sympathy to the family.
So sad, my sympathies to all.
Our sympathy and prayers to Pat’s family. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Deepest sympathy and prayers to the Sheridan family. Pat was a great man to say the least. Hugs to All 💚
Lawler lost a good one and heaven gained an angel. Pat was a friend to all. Thoughts, prayers for the family.
My sympathy to all of your. My heart hurts for you
So sorry to hear the passing of Pat! He was in our wedding and friend who I went to Cosmetology school with! So sad ! Prayers for family! Love Bob and Bonnie Walderbach
Heartfelt sympathies a true gentleman and one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Sheridan family. Hugs Jan.
Thoughts and prayers for the entire Sheridan family. Pat was a great teacher and a great voice for the whole town of Lawler. He will truly be missed by all.
Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
“Mr. Sheridan” was an amazing teacher and so patient with us “student drivers”! His faith sharing in our cluster has been so inspiring.
So very sad. He was a great teacher with an ambition to go along with it. RIP Mr. Sheridan. My sympathy to the family 🙏
Condolences to the Sheridan family. Wonderful memories of typing class, Business Law and haircuts! We will meet again. God bless you all. Mary Bouska
sorry for your loss
I have had the pleasure of working along side Pat for several years in the business department at NICC. Pat was a wonderful person and he will be missed at the college for his work and his ever present positive and caring personality.
Sorry for your loss, sending prayers for the family 🙏🙏
My deepest Sympathies to his family. Hugs Janet will hold you in my prayers 🙏
Condolences to the entire Sheridan family. Keeping you in our prayers.
Jan & Family, my deepest sympathy to all of you. I have many great memories working with Pat at Turkey Valley. He was a good role model for staff and students alike. Cherish your memories.
I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a wonderful man. Thoughts and prayers for your family.
Please accept my deepest condolences. Pat was always such a supportive colleague and friend. His loss will be felt deeply by many. Joseph Needham
So sorry for your loss. What a great man. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Sympathy and prayers for all the Sheridan family!! Hugs Janet!!
We are deeply saddened by the death of Pat Sheridan. Pat was a long time Business Education teacher at Turkey Valley and sponsor of the annual yearbook. As his principal, I can say he is one of the best teachers everyday and a future Hall of Famer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Ron and Shirley Donn
To Jan and their family We are so very sorry about pats death. He was quite a guy. So talented in many ways and we will miss him. Rest in piece pat. Our love and hugs. Jack and dianne
Thoughts and prayers for the family
I am doing ok.working on the Christmas cookie order today. Right now l am sitting at Phyllis Kipps table. Having a beer having supper and gonna play a game of cards. I will send you that address tomorrow. Love you too. Have a Good Night.
Such a nice man… he will be missed🙏😥
My deepest sympathy to you, Jan, and all of the family. You are all in my prayers. God’s peace and love be with you.
Very sorry for your loss, prayers for the Sheridan family
Sorry for your loss. Such a wonderful man he will be missed by many.
Words fall short of expressing sorrow for your loss. As a community and personally, we share your grief at this difficult time with our deepest sympathy and condolences. As you grieve, know we are all remembering Pat and honoring his memory. May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Mary Burns and Dale Christensen and The Burns Families
Sorry for your loss. He was an amazing teacher.
This is a huge loss to Lawler and to all that knew Pat. Deepest sympathies to the entire Sheridan family. Sending prayers for Jan and all during this time. God Bless.
Sorry for your loss
Our deepest sympathy
My sympathy and prayers to Jan and family.
I was so sad to hear about Pat. I valued him so much as a colleague at NICC. He greeted the world with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. He lifted others up. He will be deeply missed.
Pat was a colleague of mine at NICC. He was the first to talk to me and introduce himself at convocation my first year. He was also the first person I heard from when I recently was hired on full time. Pat was an amazing man and I am so, so sorry for your loss. His presence will be missed every day at the college. Thoughts to your family.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for your family
My deepest sympathies to the Sheridan family. He was a great man and wonderful teacher. I have very fond memories of his teaching skills from the couple of classes I had with him as a student. I can still picture him standing in the classroom working with his students. He left a lasting impression on many of us TV alumni. It was a couple years ago when he was visiting at the Carnegie in New Hampton that we had a nice chat about school days. Shared some good stories and laughs. RIP Pat, until we meet again. Irene (Schmitt) Frantzen…Class of ’74
“I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” Perfect quote from Timothy for Pat. Showering your family with prayers and wonderful memories. Love, John & Leslie Cuvelier ❤️🙏
Pat was the kind of guy who never knew a stranger. He had such an engaging personality and made people feel at ease. My best laugh with him was sharing stories about our experiences as former Drivers’ Ed teachers. RIP, Pat.
Sympathy and prayers for all the Sheridan family! It was a pleasure to know Pat and all he did to help & inspire others! Joe & Marcy Skretta
Pat was one of the most friendly and helpful men I have ever met. I met Pat at church. He was always doing something to help out with mass. He was one of the people that made me fell welcome at church apon moving to Lawer from Minnesota when I came to care for my grandfather. After the passing of my grandfather he was also one of many people that would talk with me letting me know that my family was being thought of and cared for. I will truly miss his smile and wonderful friendship that he gave to everyone he met.
Lawler will not be the same without Pat. The Sheridan family lived a couple of houses down the street from our home when I was growing up. His sister Ann was a classmate and friend. My condolences to the the family and to the town. Joellen Burns
My sympathies to the family. He was a great teacher.
So sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss, Pat was such a blessing of warmth and hospitality, we truly enjoyed him in the Christ our hope Cluster! RIP 🙏☘️🙏♥️
So sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy.
Pat was one of my favorite teachers at Turkey Valley. He always inspired us to be the best we could be. He will be missed.
I had the pleasure and honor to teach with Pat at Turkey Valley in the mid to late 70’s. Pat was an outstanding educator who was an exemplar to all his students. My thoughts are with his family in this time of grief. Darrel Lang
Pat was an inspiration to all of us. Our thoughts are with you on your loss. Kenneth and Susan Benning.
Pat inspired everyone he met, and touched many lives in such a positive way, while truly understanding the treasure of Faith, Family and Friends. You will be missed my friend. Jeff and Becky Eichenberger
My Deepest Sympathy to Jan and the entire family. Know Prayers and Thoughts are with you during this difficult time of Loss of a Loved One. Pat was my teacher for several classes , Math for Daily Living he showed us how to open and maintain a checking acct, about loans, which we use for our daily living. He also was drivers Ed instructor, putting his life in danger to help teach us to be responsible drivers on the roads and highways. Thanks Pat for being a big influence in my daily living. You will greatly be missed. RIP Pat! Lyn (Meissen) Bailey
I attended cosmetology school with Pat. Be the things you love most about Pat who is gone. May you find comfort in your fond memories of Pat that never fade away. He will be missed but not nearly as much as he will be remembered.
My deepest sympathies for the Sheridan family. Pat was a generous, patient and kind man. My thoughts go out to you all.
Our deepest sympathies goes to out the Sheridan Family on the loss of Pat. He truly was one of the outstanding teachers we had a TV!!! Kevin & Margie Nienhaus
Deepest condolences to Mr. Sheridan’s whole family and the community who will miss a great teacher and a great man.
Jan and Family, Mark and I are sending our deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you! Pat was a great guy who always had a smile on his face! He was a lot of fun to chat with over the years and he will be missed.
Many memories spending hunting weekends at Pat and Jan’s home. They welcomed my son and I as if they knew us for ever and treated us like family. So loved his energy and fun to watch how much he loved his family. Specially those grandkids. Bill
I know Pat from him attending many of Connor’s basketball games. I didn’t know Pat well, but he always had the biggest and best smile and always took the time to visit with me. He was one of those guys that always seemed to be happy and enjoying life. My prayers and sympathies to the entire Sheridan family.
I feel I know your family from Autumn and the pain you must be feeling now is unbearable. My hope for your family is that all the wonderful memories will comfort you now. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Connie Bolt
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with the Sheridan family during this difficult time.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of this kind and gentle soul. We became acquainted over 60 years ago when his big sister, Claire, married my brother Richard. Over these many years we have enjoyed a warm friendship. Our sincere condolences to Jan and the family.
Pat was an outstanding teacher that it seemed all students loved. He was always empathic, but stern. Students earned their grades. There are not many teachers who reach that high level of understanding of the high school student that Pat had. I missed him on my staff, always positive and always concerned for doing things right. He will be missed immensely.
Even though it’s been over 40 years since being in class with him, I still see his smile & always willingness to help a struggling girl! He was truly a gem, one of a kind! My sincere sympathies to all of you left to cherish his memory. Love & prayers are said for you all during this difficult time.
Deepest condolences to Jan, Autumn, Ryan, Andrea, and Kara, their spouses and children, and the entire extended Sheridan family. I don’t have the right words to say, nor the magic phrase to make you feel better. I do know this, we were all damn lucky and fortunate to call him a father, a friend, or an acquaintance. He wouldn’t want us crying over his loss, but celebrating the gift he was to all of us. He was a great influence on me in my young life and I still live my life in a way he would be proud of. I was privileged and honored to call Pat my friend. So, until we meet again, I know this would bring a smile to your face, and a tear to your eye. May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind always be at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rain fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God Hold You in the Palm if His Hand.
My heart goes out to all of you.May God comfort your hearts.I will keep you all in my prayers.
Sorry for your loss, Sheridan family. I was a classmate of Pat’s through grade & high school. He was a great guy & I’m sure he is greatly missed. Our prayers are with you. Mary Junko Heintz
Our deepest sympathy to Pat’s family.
Thoughts and Prayers from members of the Walker Fire Dept.
Sorry for your loss. We are praying for your whole family.
With love and sorrow. Bob, Dave and Don Hassel and family
Irish Eyes are Smiling on our Uncle Pat! May he give his big brother a little thumping up there behind the Pearly Gates! Love and Prayers!
. My thoughts and prayers are with the Sheridan family. My heart is with Pat!
our sympathy to the family….God bless you all. Dan & Liz Gardner
Fond memories of Pat over the years. He was a wonderful and gentle soul. Although we didn’t often see one another I enjoyed sharing with each other on FB. He was so proud of his family as evidenced by the many posts and pictures he shared. We will miss you Pat. May you rest in peace and may your loving family be comforted.
I remember “Mr. Sheridan” from typing class. Always a great teacher!
Rest in peace Pat. Even though I lived a few miles outside of Lawler and went to school in Fredericksburg, Lawler was my home town. I did not have the pleasure of having Pat as a teacher, but I have heard from many people that he was exceptional. However, from the time I was about three years old until I was eighteen, about every six weeks, for fifteen minutes I would sit in Pat’s chair and get my haircut. We would talk about family, school, friends, and life in Lawler. Pat was friendly, kind, and genuine. Always quick witted and a smile on his face. I always enjoyed coming in to get my haircut, because I knew I would have a good time talking with Pat. Those are great memories that put a smile on my face. Through all of those short but numerous interactions we had over many years, Pat made a positive and lasting impression on me that I am very thankful for. I can only imagine the impact he made on so many student he had over the years and on his family and friends. We have been blessed to know you Pat. May God’s perpetual light shine upon you.