Sean Kenneth Walters, 46, passed away on October 14, 2026, at his residence in Milwaukee, WI.

Sean was born on November 26, 1979, to James and Karen Walters in Busan, South Korea. Shortly after his birth, his family returned to the United States, where they later took up residence in Rockford, IL. This is where Sean’s passion for theater took root, as he was involved with the New American Theater from 1994 to 1997.

After graduating from Auburn High School for the Creative Performing Arts and Gifted Program in 1997, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in theater from Northern Illinois University. During his undergraduate years, he also attended the University of Indiana Purdue (Fort Wayne) and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Later in his life, he went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in Technical Direction and Production from the Yale School of Drama, graduating with the class of 2016.

Sean’s career was robust. He had a passion for regional theater and working with storefront theaters and start-ups. He worked as Assistant Technical Director at Transcendence Theater in Chicago, as well as Technical Director of Lookingglass Theater in Chicago. After completing his master’s degree, he worked as Associate Technical Director at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, MN, from 2016 to 2018, and then as Technical Director of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater from 2018 to 2023. He spent 2024 and 2025 operating The People’s Inn in Milwaukee.

In 2022, Sean married Nicole Blanks, and they shared a happy home with many pets until his passing.

Sean was predeceased by his mother, Karen Walters. He is survived by his father, James Walters (Sandy); his wife, Nicole Blanks; his sisters, Sasha Tweel (Ben) and Kimberley Walters; his brother, Scott Walters (Jessica); and his nephews and nieces, Sophia Tweel, Lilah Walters, Evan Palmerin, Gracie Palmerin, Ricky Palmerin, and Carsten Palmerin.

A celebration of life will take place at Calvary Presbyterian Church (935 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233) on November 14, 2026. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., with the service from 2 to 3 p.m. A reception will follow at Y-Not II Tavern (706 E. Lyon St., Milwaukee, WI 53202) from 3 to 6 p.m.