Willam Shea (1867-1943)

SHEA, MALONEY

Posted By: John Davis (email)
Date: 10/19/2019 at 07:46:36

Photo posted in Ottumwa Courier May 13, 1943
Photo posted with Obit
Death Calls Wm. Shea, Railway Vet
William Shea, 75, Wapello county pioneer who rose to national prominence in the service of the Milwaukee railroad, died at 8:45 p.m. Thursday at the University hospital, Iowa City. Entering the employ of the Milwaukee railroad in 1884 when he first helped to build the line from Cedar Rapids to Ottumwa, Mr. Shea continued in the construction department of that railroad until in 1934 he attained the position of maintenance superintendent for the entire Milwaukee railroad system, with offices in Chicago. He was in charge of 11,000 miles of main line track and another 5,000 miles of side tracks and was often required to travel as much as 12,000 a month in the operation of that great company's transit lanes. While his duties in this position required that he maintain an office in Chicago, he always clung to Wapello county, in general, where he began his railroad career, and Blakesburg, in particular, where he maintained his home and continued his farming business, specializing in the raising of prize Hereford cattle. Born August 13, 1867 in Eddyville, and without the benefit of more than an eighth grade formal schooling. Mr. Shea's rise in prominence in the railroad world held all the features of a storybook success. His father, John Shea, gave him his first job with the Milwaukee when he was 17 years old. Only a year later he was made a section foreman here, but in 1887 he was called in as construction foreman in the building of the Milwaukee line from Ottumwa to Kansas City.
Roadmaster in 1891
On January 1, 1891, he was made roadmaster of the Ottumwa division, where he served until 1918, when he went to Chicago as general roadmaster of the entire Milwaukee system. Ten years later he was named assistant engineer of Maintenance superintendency of the Milwaukee system, a position which he held until his retirement. In the meantime, he retained his love for his Iowa farm where he kept constant contact in the business of raising fine cattle. He delegated the management of his farm in his absence, to his son John Shea, but claimed Blakesburg as his personal, residence throughout his career with the Milwaukee that took him through many states.
Funeral Monday
Mr. Shea is survived by his son, John B. Shea of Blakesburg, and by one daughter, Mrs. Edna Maloney of Ottumwa, and by on granddaughter, Patricia Alice Shea of Blakesburg. He is also survived by four brothers, John Shea of Two Harbors, Minnesota, James R. Shea of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Jerry Shea and Dan R. Shea, both of Ottumwa. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Gertrude Shea, who died January 15, 1942 also by one daughter Alice, and by three brothers and one sister. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Monday from St. Mary's Catholic church, where a requiem high mass will be celebrated by the Rt. Rev. Msgr. J.M. Walsh V.F. and burial will be made in the Blakesburg cemetery. The body will remain at the Johnson funeral parlor until 1 p.m. Saturday when it will be taken to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Patrick Maloney of 316 North Jefferson street.
Shea Funeral
Funeral service for William Shea, prominent retired Milwaukee railroad man who died Thursday night at Iowa City, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday from the St. Mary's Catholic church. The Rt. Rev. Msgr. J.M. Walsh V.F. will be the celebrant of a requiem high mass and burial will be in the Blakesburg cemetery. The services are announced for 10 o'clock Monday morning, rather than 9 o'clock as originally planned to allow for the arrival of Milwaukee railroad executives who could not be here for the earlier hour.