"Amy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. ~Mark and Kris Harmsen "
In loving memory of
Edwin O. Sheldon
May 1, 1930 - November 13, 2017
Madison - Edwin O. Sheldon M.D. age 87 died Nov.13th, 2017. He was born in Lexington, MI at his maternal grandmother's home, May 1st, 1930, the son of Bernice M. and Edwin Oliver Sheldon Sr.
Edwin graduated from Oberlin College with a B.S. in 1953, cum laude and from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1957. He was a member of the honor societies, Alpha Omega and Phi Kappa Phi.
After medical school he interned at St .Luke's Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago, IL. While there he married his wife of 59 years, Ruth Torrant Sheldon. After internship they moved to Madison in 1958 where he completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin. After completing his residency Edwin served as a Captain in the 5th Army Medical Corp at Ft Carson, Colorado. During his service he was chief of the mental health unit, consultant to the Air force academy and acted as a consultant during the early development of the Peace Corps.
Upon return to Madison in 1961 Edwin served as the director of children's services at the University of Wisconsin's Diagnostic Center and later director of the children's consultation services at Mendota Health Center. With six other psychiatrists in 1964 he established Psychiatric services SC, where he continued his work, serving as president of the group for many years. He served two terms as president of the southern chapter of the Wisconsin's psychiatric association. Throughout his career he enjoyed the clinical aspects of policy setting especially covering parity.
During the 1980's and 90's Edwin served as a clinical associate professor of a psychiatry where he helped establish the department of psychiatry in three evolving HMO's. Edwin completed his career with consulting for WPS and serving at GHC until his retirement at age of 82, in 2012.
Edwin enjoyed fly fishing, golf, recreational fishing with his grandchildren, camping, hiking, skiing and spending time outdoors tending to his prairie. Hosting Christmas weeks in favorite places: southern beaches and ski resorts were joyous times for the eleven grandchildren and their parents. Ed and Ruth enjoyed traveling; visiting a granddaughter in the Peace corps in Paraguay, regularly spending time in California with another granddaughter, sight-seeing in Europe, Australia, Asia , Africa and South America.
Edwin was active when his children were young in the Faircrest neighborhood association, planting trees at John Muir School. His love of nature was evident at his home in the natural prairie lawn. Birding was a favorite pass time. He was a patron of the arts serving as a board member of the Madison Symphony orchestra and a member of the Madison print club and MMOCA. Edwin served as an Elder at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Edwin is survived by his wife Ruth Torrant Sheldon, four children; Clarissa D Sheldon (Rand Schott), Amy Marie Sheldon (Tom Etheridge), Edwin Craig Sheldon (Tracy Sheldon) , Elizabeth Torrant Sheldon ( Christopher Merriam) , eleven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Right of passage service to be held Saturday Nov. 25th, 2017 at Westminster Presbyterian Church Nakoma Rd, Madison, WI visitation 10-11a service at 11:00 a.m. Donations in Lieu of flowers can be made to a charity of your choice.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434
Tributes
"How do you say goodbye to a friend, you don't, you tuck that memory away and say, I will not pass this way again. Rose and Rudolf Link"
"So very sad to hear of Dr. Sheldon's death. He was a terrific psychiatrist and wonderful human being. He was a gentle, kind man who helped me through a difficult time. "
"I was a patient of Dr. Sheldon for a time. Not only was he a fine doctor who helped me through difficult times, he was a kind and compassionate person. I always felt that and it was part of what helped me to heal. My sincere condolences to Ruth and family."
"I knew Dr. Sheldon as a patient of his. He helped me so much at a dark time in my life, and I'll be forever grateful. My sincere sympathy to the family."
"What a wonderful psychiatrist he was to me for years"
"Dear Ruth, The world has lost a wonderful, gentle soul. Ed was always so generous and kind to me and my family. The memories of the times Fritz and I spent with you and Ed will always warm my heart. Love, Laurie "
""Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."---Evalyn Torrant"
"I'm sorry I forgot to mention that unfortunately we will not be able to be at the service as we are in Florida until December. Know that we are there in spirit and will be thinking of you. Donna Ploc"
"Dear Ruth, I have such fond memories of our days together when I worked for you and Ed. My heart is sad. I'm sending lots of hugs and prayers for you and your family. Love & Hugs, Donna & Patrick Ploc"
"Oh that picture brings such a smile! I'll remember that about Ed always. My heart to you all. - Sue Meinholz "