Shawn K. Kidney

Shawn Kidney, of Franklin, entered eternal life on June 12, 2020, after living triumphantly with stage IV pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by love, especially that of his beloved wife of 21 years, Stephanie (Brosnan) Kidney. Shawn’s gentle, fun and sweet spirit will be carried on by his family, including his brother and sister-in-law Scott and Elizabeth Kidney; his stepmother Wilma Kidney and step-siblings Deanna Selode, Brad Summers, and Penny Stephan; mother and father-in-law Audrey and Buzz Brosnan, and in-law siblings Theresa and Mike Schuler, Doris Brosnan and Rob Sullivan, Bernie and Donna Brosnan, and Patrick and Janhavi Brosnan. Shawn will be remembered as the most epic and fun uncle of all time by his loving nieces and nephews, Charlotte, Joe, Dalton, Audrey, Liam, Minali, Anya, Nikhil, Deidre, and Regina, as well as by his young cousin Easton. We believe that Shawn is somewhere beautiful, bird-watching and working on old cars with his mother and father, Layne and Claire (Otto) Kidney, who preceded him in death.  He will also be missed by his godparents, Kyle and Barb Kidney, along with his other aunts, uncles and cousins in the Kidney and Otto families. Especially of note, his family appreciates the exceptional care provided by his cousin Nina (Kidney) Grasse and her husband, Elliott Grasse, upon his death. In addition, Shawn will be greatly missed and remembered by his many neighbors and friends made throughout his life, his years at Marquette University, and his 20 years working and traveling across the country for Ford Motor Company-American Road Services.

We were all blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Shawn during his 45 years, among them: Go to as many live shows as you can, especially at The Rave. Take long walks, preferably near or in the Rocky Mountains, especially during the golden Aspen season. A few margaritas or craft beers or fine red wine with friends can solve almost any problem, or at least make them seem less important, especially around a fire pit. Let a couple dogs (or three or four) sleep in bed with you. Meticulously mow the lawn in a plaid pattern, then reward yourself with a $16 craft beer. Always leave the dinner table early to play with the kids. Keep your cool, especially in a roomful of loud Brosnans. Keep a muscle car in the garage to drive when the weather’s nice to impress your girl. Believe the best about everyone and forgive generously. You probably don’t have to complain so damn much. Tell no one the recipe for your killer Packer chili. Go Pack Go. One day at a time. Find the silver linings in every challenging experience. Live life and love to the fullest, even when you’re running out of time. Never, ever, ever give up hope.

Shawn and Stephanie are forever grateful for the excellent care Shawn received from the cancer care team at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, led by the incomparable Dr. Ben George. Although the family wishes they could celebrate Shawn’s life with all of his friends and family, for safety’s sake during this time and per Shawn’s request, his memorial will be a small, private event. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shawn’s Cancer Crushers Team for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s PurpleStride event, or to Aurora at Home – Zilber Family Hospice.

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