Brian Shea, 61, Owatonna

Brian Jon Shea passed away peacefully on May 15, 2023, in Las Vegas.

Brian was born on Sept. 16, 1961, raised in Owatonna, and graduated from Owatonna High School in 1980. He was the youngest child of Joe and Doris Shea, who loved him dearly.

Brian was gifted in many ways, especially in cutting edge technology. Back when phones were attached to walls and had cords, he was the first one to introduce his parents and family to this new thing called a mobile phone. Long before Bluetooth was ever imagined, he could wire every TV in the house and hook up speakers for his favorite music to be heard from each room. He was always willing to assist and share in his expertise. He was our family’s personal IT department.

Brian loved music, all kinds, but his unabated love of Bruce Springsteen was a constant in his life. The Boss’s music and lyrics resonated with Brian and helped him through many joyous and difficult passages of his life. His enthusiasm for the newest gadgets, computers, and media innovations propelled his career aspirations. He graduated from Brown Institute Metro working for many years in various jobs related to radio and television. His passion for the latest technology never waned over his lifetime.

His other great loves were animals, especially dogs. He had many pets as a child, including gerbils, fish, and a turtle. Later in life he found comfort and companionship with his beloved dog Riley.

Brian was an avid sports fan, true blue, good or bad Minnesota sports fan. As any follower of the Twins, Vikings, Wild, and Gophers know, this can be heartbreaking, but there was always next year, and Brian was the first one on the bandwagon.

Brian lived in various communities throughout his lifetime and his natural gift of conversation, and a good laugh led to many lasting friendships. He was proud of his Irish heritage, but never forgot his mother’s Norwegian roots. Brian was especially proud of his many years of sobriety, and his support and guidance to others in recovery with his CD counselor certification from the Hazelden Center. He had many challenges over the years and overcame many. In the end, he could not conquer the disease of diabetes.

Brian is deeply missed by his siblings, Tim (Cathy) of Rochester, Tom (Stephanie), of Owatonna, Rick (Lisa) of Carmel, Calif., Kevin (Jane) of Burnsville, and his favorite sister, Sara (Mark) of Owatonna. He also leaves behind 14 nephews and nieces, and seven great nephews and nieces, and his dear friends, Anthony and Tho.

Brian will be laid to rest in a private memorial at the St. Aiden’s Catholic Cemetery, Bath Township, alongside his parents on Sept. 16, 2023, which would have been his 62nd birthday. Our faith in God gives us comfort that he is at peace. To leave an online condolence message go to www.megercares.com.