James E. Sheetz

James Edward Sheetz, 94, of Topeka, died March 2, 2010 at Rolling Hills Health Center.

He was born on January 16, 1916 in a farmhouse in Benton County, Indiana the son of John Harrison and Mary Urbana (Murphy) Sheetz.  He attended parochial schools and graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1934.  He received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1938. 

His first job was as a Broker’s Clerk at the Chicago Stock Exchange in 1938.  He then workd for Irland Steel Co. in East Chicago, Indiana for 3 years.  For the next 36 years he worked for Santa Fe Railway in Topeka, Kansas from September 1941 until his retirement in 1977. 

James married Maude Stainbrook at the Assumption Rectory in Topeka, Kansas on October 29, 1942.  She preceded him in death on January 27, 2009.  He was also preceded in death by four brothers, John, Gordon, Arther and Dr. Albert Sheetz.  A brother, J. Paul Sheetz survives in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Sheetz will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Thursday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 6:15 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemtery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800  SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.