Shawn Thomas 07/13/2026

Shawn Christopher Thomas, age 49, passed away peacefully at his home, beautifully set on the beachfront of Lake Michigan, in Chicago, IL on Monday, July 13, 2026.

Shawn was born on June 3, 1977, in Stillwater, MN, to Laura Diane Thomas. Before he became the hardworking and accomplished man so many admired, he was a curious young boy with a determined spirit and a kind heart. From an early age, he discovered the value of hard work, setting goals, and seeing them through with dedication and perseverance, while embracing every chance to learn, grow, and better himself. Shawn was a New Richmond School District Graduate with the class of 1995. After High School, he continued his education at the University of Eau Claire, WI graduating with his Bachelor’s degree in 2000. Shawn started his career at 3M in Minnesota, and shortly after, transferred to the California 3M location. After a few years, Shawn then decided to take a leap, make a change and move to Chicago, IL where he went on to pursue a career and share his talents with TransUnion America. During that time, Shawn obtained his Master’s degree from DePaul University in 2008. It was there at TransUnion where Shawn quickly climbed the ladder to success, residing in both Hong Kong and the Philippines, working for TransUnion America helping third world countries establish credit. After years of hard work and dedication, Shawn made the switch from TransUnion America to Brookfield Properties, where he was a fearless leader, positive role model and high achiever for many years. Shawn was a hardworking and dedicated man who took great pride in everything he did. Known for his strong work ethic and dependable nature, he earned the respect of those who had the privilege of working alongside him. No matter the task, Shawn approached life with determination, integrity, and a willingness to always help others. He was a very talented man with ambition in his career, setting personal goals and exceeding them. His commitment to growth with diligence, dedication, and unwavering determination became defining characteristics of his life, strongly inspiring others.

Outside of work, Shawn had a passion for traveling and enjoyed exploring new places, creating memories that he cherished throughout his life. He was always up for trying something new. Shawn was blessed to have had the opportunity to visit many places during his lifetime including Mexico, Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Africa, Spain, Italy, and India. Whether it was a weekend getaway or a new adventure, he found joy in experiencing the world and sharing those moments with the people he loved.

Most of all, Shawn will be remembered for the never-ending outpouring of love that he had for his family and friends, because above all else, they were Shawn’s greatest treasures. Shawn was always prepared with a new prank or joke he loved to pull on his family, especially his nieces and nephew, he almost always had something up his sleeve. He had a kind heart, a generous spirit, and a smile that could brighten any room. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement, or simply spend time with those he cared about. His love, laughter, and unwavering loyalty will be deeply missed but forever remembered and though his time with us was far too short, the memories he created and the lives he touched will remain in our hearts indefinitely.

Shawn leaves behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, laughter, compassion and unconditional love that will live on forever in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to have known him.

Shawn is preceded in death by his Grandfather and Grandmother, David and Audrey Thomas; his Grandmother, Joyce Peterson; his Sister, Tracy Lynn Bonkoski; and beloved dog, Stryker.

Shawn is lovingly survived by his Mother, Laura (Wayne) Peterson; his Brothers, Matthew (Anna) Bonkoski and Jordan Peterson; his cherished Nieces and Nephew, Breckyn, Brogan and Brynna Bonkoski; his sweet dog Cecily, and many extended family members and dear friends from all around the Nation who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 beginning at 1pm with a service at 2:30 pm at Bakken Young Funeral Home in New Richmond, WI. A light meal and refreshments will follow. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Shawn’s life, share stories, and honor the many memories he created with those who loved him dearly. The burial will be at a later date in Boardman Cemetery.

“Deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten. Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen and unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear”