Twila Sheskey passed away on April 28, 2026 at age 93 years; she died in her sleep at Agrace Hospice. She was born on Aug 13, 1932 in Crofton, NE the daughter of Joseph and Clara (Schumacher) Guenther; her family relocated to the rural Columbus, WI area when she was young.

She was the first in her family to earn a 4-year college degree (BSN from Marquette University, 1958) pursued after completing a prior nursing degree from St Mary's Hospital, Milwaukee. Twila married John Sheskey on August 8, 1959 at St Columbkille Church in Elba, WI. After a honeymoon in Mexico, the couple settled in Madison, WI and shortly afterwards started their family.

Her career started in Public Health Nursing and, after marriage, she migrated to teaching. First at St Marys' Hospital Nursing School and later Madison (Area Technical) College in their Practical Nursing Program where she eventually retired from. While at MATC, Twila was instrumental in setting up and advising the Student Nursing Association.

Twila raised her family while balancing a full-time career and along the way, fit in a master's in Counselor Education (UW-Madison). After retirement she did not slow down; she and John took part in over 24 medical missions around the globe, from Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe, over a 12 year period. During these missions Twila was involved in everything from public health services to dental/medical surgeries.

She also was a long-term volunteer for the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Elder Mentor Program with Catholic Charities of Madison. True to a life of serving and giving, Twila and her husband established a charitable fund focusing on education, nutrition, community engagement/safety and bereavement.

Twila was preceded in death by daughter, Faye Ellen, husband John and grandson Charlie. As well as her brothers Merle & Dean, sister Donna (George Zvonar) and parents along with many relatives & friends. She is survived by her children: Angie, Barb (Jeff) Maly, Catherine (Nadeem Siddiqui), Dennis (Lisa), Ed (Nick Vogel) and Gary (Pranee) and 6 grandchildren: Jamie & Ellen Sheskey, Chris & Jennie Maly and Joey & Johnny "Chopper" Sheskey.

The funeral Mass will be Friday, May 8th at 11:00 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2121 Rowley Ave, Madison; visitation will start at 9:30 in the church before the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to a charity of your choice.

A special thank you to the staff at Agrace, for their kindness and understanding!

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Rd    Madison

608-238-3434