Former Minn. Chief Justice Sheran dies at 96

Former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Robert Sheran has died. He was 96.

Sheran was known amongst colleagues for his skilled oral arguments and ability to think on his feet. His daughter, State Senator Kathy Sheran, D-Mankato, says her father approached conflict and problem-solving in a positive way.

During World War II, Sheran served as an FBI Special Agent. Sheran was appointed to the state Supreme Court by two Minnesota governors — Republican Elmer Andersen in 1963, and DFLer Wendell Anderson in 1973. Sheran went on to work in private practice into his 80s.

"Anything that had to do with the law or mediating conflict and doing analytical work about how to think about situations and the law, he loved that," Kathy Sheran said. "He never felt that work that he was engaged in was labor. He thought it was pure pleasure."

She said her father was kind and big-hearted even while mediating conflicts, and he taught that to others.

"He wasn't talking about authenticity or integrity or being honorable, and being an advocate for people with less power than he. He just was that way. We, my brothers and I, simply learned from how he conducted himself."

Sheran's wife, Jean, died seven years ago. He leaves behind four children. Visitation is Sunday at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel in Edina. Funeral services are Monday at Our Lady of Grace Church in Edina.

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