Sean Robert Garwood

Sean Robert Garwood

Sean Robert Garwood passed away on May 29, 2026, at age 29. He was born on February 8, 1997, to Jeff and Molly (née Murphy) Garwood. Big-hearted, athletic, and sensitive, Sean was loved deeply by his parents and his two younger sisters, Shannon and Hannah Garwood, and his beloved partner Karyn Rabenhorst. He will also be profoundly missed by his Aunt MeMe, Aunt Bridget, Uncle Joe and Uncle Richard, his Grand Uncle Bubba and his many cousins. Sean’s core values centered on family and belonging, and he was fiercely loyal to those he loved.

Sean basically exited the womb and looked around for the nearest soccer ball. Finding it as a toddler, he dribbled tirelessly in the front yard while his patient mom played goalie with Hannah on her hip and Shannon watching nearby from a blanket. It was on the soccer pitch that Sean felt most happy.

Sean was devoted to both his sisters. The babies came quickly, but Sean was nothing but excited when each sister was brought home. He was always Mama’s helper. When they were little, he and Shannon proudly wore matching superhero capes fashioned from their monogrammed lovey blankets. Hannah caught the soccer bug from her big brother, and the two bonded over their shared love of the game. He was protective of his siblings and wanted the best for them.

While Sean’s early soccer talent eventually led him to compete at the collegiate level, he also loved any sport he tried. Each year was marked by a growing collection of athletic shoes, equipment, and uniforms. During his freshman year at Whitefish Bay High School, he competed in four sports: soccer, baseball, track, and skiing. His preferred approach to skiing was simple—bomb down the hill at top speed and wait for his somewhat slower dad at the bottom.

Sean was the first grandchild on the Murphy side and first grandson on his Garwood side. He delighted in the attention that status afforded him. He adored his dad’s mom, “Gagee,” and felt safe and secure in her arms. Annual trips to Uncle Bubba’s beach house were a highlight, where Sean felt joy body surfing in the ocean and building sandcastles with his sisters. On his mom’s side, Nana and Papa Murphy provided the extended family he craved, pouring their love into him.

Dinosaurs, Harry Potter, Pokémon, piano, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, all animals but especially Georgia the dog, and Seb and Bodie the cats—throughout his life, Sean brought an intensity to the things he loved. Sean had a knack for math and languages, and his knowledge of historical facts was astounding. He began working at age 16, first in the daycare at the WAC, where his affection for children was immediately apparent. Later, he worked at a golf club bar, where he found a second family among the staff and formed lasting friendships with many of the patrons.

Life wasn’t always easy for Sean. His desire to belong—to love and be loved—was sometimes at odds with feelings of isolation and disappointment. Even as his family cherished him, and Karyn reminded him that he was a kind, compassionate and gentle soul, he carried emotional wounds that were difficult for him to manage. He protected the ones he loved, but also built walls to protect himself that were sometimes incorrectly construed as disinterest to others. But that was far from the truth.

Those who loved Sean never lost sight of who he truly was. Beneath the struggle was a young man of remarkable goodness, sensitivity, and depth. His life was far too short, but his impact on those who knew him will endure.

We will celebrate Sean’s life at Three Holy Women Parish - St. Rita Church, 1617 N. Cass St., Milwaukee, on Friday, June 5, with a prayer service at 1:30 p.m. and a celebration of Sean’s life to follow in the church basement until 4:00 pm. The family requests that attendees wear blue - Sean’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Wisconsin Humane Society, 4th Dimension Sobriety, or Ocean Blue Project - Murrells Inlet.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sean Robert Garwood, please visit our floral store.