died August 12, 2011 in Phoenix after a short two-week struggle with cancer. He was 85. Fr. Bud was a member of the Crosier Community of Phoenix since 2004, continuing to assist at parishes until his recent illness while actively living Crosier Religious Life. Fr. Bud, who spent 65 years as a Crosier and 60 years as a priest, lived an active lifestyle by hiking in the mountains in Phoenix and in the winter skiing with his family. He was born April 9, 1926, in Aurora, IL. He made his profession of vows on August 28th, 1946 and was ordained a priest on June 1st, 1951. After ordination, Fr. Bud taught Latin, Religion, English, and History at Crosier Seminary in Onamia, MN and at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY. He earned a Ph.D. in Parish Information Systems and assisted dioceses and the Crosiers in Management and Strategic Planning. He worked as a consultant for the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) in Washington, D.C. and was an expert in statistics and analyzing data and trends. He was preceded in death by parents, Francis Kelly and Katherine (Martin) Scheets; brothers, George Scheets and Fr. Tom Scheets. He is survived by his brother Sam (Sue) Scheets; sister-in-law, Phyllis, as well as nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews and by his religious community. Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 16, 2011 from 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. with an Evening Prayer Service at 8:00 P.M. at Whitney and Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. A Morning Prayer Service will be held Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 9:45 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1421 S. 12th St., Phoenix, followed by Visitation. A Mass of a Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 A.M. followed by a luncheon at Sacred Heart. Burial to be held in Onamia, MN at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Crosier Retirement Fund.
Rev. James L. Rebeta, C.S.C.
Bud has been teacher, debate coach, mentor and friend to me for 51 years since my freshman year at Stepinac. He was a champion in the eyes of my parents at the time of whose deaths Bud was among the first I notified. Word of his own illness was one of those singular moments that trigger thoughts of those key individuals in one’s life who have made a difference, and then that shorter list of those who helped to transform it. Bud will forever be on my short list. I will be celebrate the Eucharist for him and with you at the Convent of the Holy Child in Rye, NY on Aug. 17. Bud introduced me to this community of Sisters 16 years ago and, when the Crosiers could no longer maintain this chaplaincy ministry two years later, he prompted them to call me. Many there in their 80’s and 90’s warmly remember him and will do so prayerfully again on Wednesday. May Bud pray for us now who can only hope to follow. With gratitude and Peace, Jim
Richard Blannin
I just heard on Oct 9 that Father Sheets had died in August.
I hadn’t seen “Bud” for a few years, when I saw him on a visit to Phoenix, but I have many fond memories when our family could have him for dinner when he was doing one of his parish audits in the Albany NY area, or when our family would see him at the McMahons during Christmas when he was in White Plains.
May God rest his soul.
Dick Blannin
John B. Scheets
Father Bud, was I believe my second cousin. I only had the opportunity to meet him once many years ago when he came to our house in Chicago to visit my father, Charles. I regret having waited until now to search for him. Perhaps, God willing, we will have another opportunity to meet in Heaven, I’m sure the visit will be most enjoyable, Until then, RIP Father Bud !
john clark
Fr. Scheets taught me history at Stepinac and he was the best teacher I had there, He was bright and dynamic and reading his obit I’m not at all surprised that he went on to earn a PHD , I only knew him as “Father” but learning that he had a nickname like “Bud” and was an avid hiker and skier is completely in line with his real guy personality.
Bud and his fellow Crosiers brought a refreshing dose of midwestern common sense and values to Stepinac and contributed greatly to it’s excellence during their years there. Thanks Bud!