Rene Owen McShane

MADISON-Rene Owen McShane, M. Div., M.S.S.W., of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on February 13, 2015 at the age of 76. Rene was born on June 23, 1938 to Frank and Viola McShane, of Lannon, Wisconsin. He attended Shorewood High School near Milwaukee. As a young adult, Rene became a carpenter apprentice, working for Schroeder Brothers in Milwaukee. Shortly after the birth of his son, Rene was called to become a minister. He thought his grandmother and his mother both felt he should be a minister. Rene attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and also attended Northwestern School of Theology in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Continuing his studies, Rene transferred to Hamma School of Theology in Springfield, Ohio, where he graduated from the School of Divinity. His first parish call was in Ontonagon, Michigan. There, he witnessed many local social problems, which he sought to address by acquiring further skills and education. Rene left the parish to pursue a social work degree, earning a Master’s of Science Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As the first college-graduate in his family, Rene was a proud alumnus and greatly valued his education. Many knew Rene as a life-long intellectual. Rene was given exceptional skills, which were admired by his colleagues and family. He worked his way through layers of higher education--often commuting over 30 miles each day, earning stellar grades, and sharing time with his three children, Russell, Karen, and Kelly. Rene always had an intention to serve others. In his retirement, Rene became a beloved crossing guard at his grandchildren’s elementary school. Rene’s three children, eight grandchildren, and a great-grandchild were his greatest pride. He bestowed to them a strong faith in God and passion for life. Rene’s legacy is one of resilience and determination. Rene was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Viola McShane. Rene is survived by his sisters: Lynette Ellen Bahr and Debra Ann McShane, his brother: James Franklin McShane (Karen); his children: Russell McShane, Karen McShane-Hellenbrand (John), and Kelly McShane-Rock (John); his grandchildren: Leah Mae Hellenbrand, Ezekiel Hellenbrand (Sarah), Adam McShane, Blake McShane, Jackson Rock, Vincent Hellenbrand, Wesley Rock, and Carter McShane; and great-granddaughter: Eleanor Hellenbrand Memorial services will be held at ST. LUKE’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7337 Hubbard Ave, Middleton at 12:30 PM on Friday, February 20, 2015 with the Reverend Heather Hayward presiding with a fellowship gathering to follow. Private family burial will be at Sunnyside Cemetery, Lannon, Wis. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com