Timothy "Tim" Sheaff

“Son, if you can’t say something nice, say something clever but devastating.”

Timothy Edward Sheaff passed away on June 21st, 2023. Born on July 31, 1968 to James and Marcella Sheaff, Tim grew up in Ankeny, Iowa. In elementary school, he participated in “encyclopedia races,” which is likely exactly what it sounds like, and was “captain of the safety patrol.” His parents, both educators, encouraged Tim and his sister, Pam, to read, write, and explore the world. He listened to baseball games in his childhood bedroom, had his first job on a paper route, and biked with his sister to the library throughout the summer. His family taught him the values of his faith and impressed upon him an insatiable curiosity of how the world worked- a trait clearly visible in both his parents and sister. He grew up, then, with an undying compassion for those closest to him. He attended Dowling Catholic High School, class of 1986. He was a member of the debate team, drum major for the marching band and, in a secret his children recently discovered in the yearbook, treasurer of the Spanish Club. It was on a marching band trip sophomore year where he met his future wife, his best friend, Christy (Frueh) Sheaff.

After graduating from The Catholic University of America in 1989 with a Bachelors of Arts in Drama (and as a recipient of the Ed McMahon Scholarship and in the first class of the Honors College), he moved to Chicago, IL where Christy was attending school at Loyola University. Christy and Tim married in September of 1990 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Together, they raised six children, all of whom graduated from Holy Trinity and Dowling Catholic.

A lot could be said about Tim Sheaff and the impact that he made on his communities. He was first and foremost, however, the center of his family. His wife, six children, two daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren were his pride and joy. His devotion to those he loves was evident. Tim most liked to watch movies, read aloud to his kids, discuss baseball and politics, or grill on his back deck. He was happiest when all his children were together, playing games, or “debating” (much to the chagrin of their mother). Tim almost always would have rather been at home, spending time with his family. He had a special affinity for holiday traditions, including an annual mandatory viewing of It’s a Wonderful Life. He proudly introduced his children and grandchildren to visual art, to opera, to 80s music, to literature, to various systems of data analysis. Everyone knew not to attempt to beat him at Jeopardy! There was almost nothing that Tim could not have found an interest in learning about. It was a skill that he impressed upon his children, as well as fostering their love and loyalty to each other. He could often be heard quoting Coppala’s greatest film saying, “Never take sides against the family.” Indeed, a viewing of The Godfather on the night of high school graduation was another tradition he held with his children. His love for Des Moines, his parish, and his work was founded in his love for his family and his God.

Tim’s second home was Dowling Catholic. As an alumnus, he returned to Dowling in 1997 to teach Drama, Debate, Speech, and Film. He was the coach of the nationally-renowned Speech and Debate team, the chair of the Performing Arts Department, and the director of the fall plays and award-winning spring musicals. His passion for the performing arts and debate have impacted thousands of students and colleagues throughout his career. He founded a nationally recognized debate tournament hosted by Dowling Catholic (The Paradigm), which in its recent history saw schools from more than 20 states participate. In 2019 he was inducted into the National Speech and Debate Associate (NSDA) Hall of Fame and in 2022 he was inducted into the Iowa High School Speech Association Hall of Fame. He served as the emcee for the NSDA National Tournament, in addition to his duties as five-diamond coach and member of the Board of Directors. He was the most proud of Dowling Catholic as a community of servant leaders. He boasted a faith-filled classroom and teaching philosophy, centered on Truth in the arts and humanities. A powerful speaker and blessed with a booming voice, he was often called upon as the announcer - at assemblies, at award ceremonies, during Pancake Breakfast time. He best demonstrated his faith in his actions and his devotion to the Mass. If you ever sat in front of him at Mass, you likely turned around to thank him for his resonant, enthusiastic singing voice. He made a big impact on the lives of so many people, though he would have eschewed the attention with a gruff wave of his hands and some muttered sarcastic comment.

He is survived by his wife, Christy, his children Spencer (Elisabeth), Bridget, Simon (Jenna), Colette, Elliot, and Oliver, his parents James and Marcella, his sister, Pam, and his four grandchildren (Timothy, David, Joseph, Joicelyn). He is sorely missed by his family and by an entire community. “No man is a failure who has friends… to my brother George, the richest man in town.”

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Dowling Catholic Christmas Baskets https://givebutter.com , to Anawim Housing  https://www.anawimhousing.org/give-here/donate-page  , or by the Cubs winning the World Series. Visitation is from 4pm-7pm on Wednesday, June 28th with Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am on Thursday, June 29th, both at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Interment will be in Glendale Cemetery.