Shawn Lyons, 30, Owatonna

Shawn Michael Lyons, age 30, passed away Nov. 27, 2023, after a brief illness. Shawn was a generous young man with compassion for those in need. He was funny, sarcastic, and sentimental.

Born in May 1993, Shawn was a chubby little guy for his first few years, affectionately nicknamed “Sausage Boy.” As a kid Shawn discovered his passion for Star Wars and creating Lego masterpieces. He loved camping, climbing trees, skiing, and playing with friends.

Due to a ruptured appendix in junior high, Shawn missed so much school that his teachers gave him a free pass for the first quarter. During his time in the hospital, Shawn convinced various staff to sneak him pieces of real surgical garb. When he was released, he had scrubs, shoe covers, a surgeon’s hat, and a white coat for his Halloween costume. Around this time, Shawn got his first paying job as a page at Owatonna Public Library. His love of reading often got him in trouble at school for reading a book under the edge of his desk instead of paying attention in class.

In high school, Shawn found his love of theater while working with the technical crew on nearly a dozen productions where he built lasting friendships and went by the name “Lucy.” He took photos for the school newspaper, participated in Mock Trial, played percussion in the marching band, and traveled abroad with a student ambassador program. Shawn had a keen intellect, calculating complex math problems in his head and astounding his French teacher with how effortlessly he learned the language.

Shawn worked professionally as a cook at several restaurants through the years. However, his most fulfilling job was planning and creating delicious meals for the folks at Ecumen Countryside Senior Housing. Shawn felt a special connection to the seniors and loved to hear their stories. While cooking was his profession for the last 10 years, he aspired to find a more technical career in the future to continue his personal growth.

Shawn was a loving cat-dad, often sharing pictures and stories of his two cats. In his free time, he was an avid game player, with a weekly fantasy role-playing game night with friends. He was proud to lead the most recent campaign with his group. Shawn was enthusiastic about cars and took pride that he could drive a stick-shift and make many repairs himself.

Shawn’s early 20s were tumultuous as he struggled with mental health issues and alcoholism. With the support of his family, friends, and housemates, he successfully completed treatment and quietly celebrated his sobriety. Because of those challenges, Shawn had great compassion for those in need.

This fall, Shawn purchased his first home. He was learning about home improvement, looking forward to parking in a garage, and anticipating planting his very own garden in the spring.

Shawn compared his life’s journey to the metamorphosis of a caterpillar. He was eager to find his way and introspective about the changes that he made. Now, he has his wings. In each butterfly that you see, may you think of Shawn and feel his presence.

To celebrate Shawn’s life and mourn his passing, a memorial gathering will be held Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, from 2-5 p.m. at Brick-Meger Funeral Home, Owatonna. The open-house style event will include time and space to visit, share memories, and grieve together. In the spirit of Shawn’s casual style, flannel shirts, jeans, and beanie hats are encouraged, but please come as you are.

Shawn is survived by his parents Josh and Maureen (Hanson) Lyons; sister Laura Lyons; grandparents Rich Lyons and Kathy Hanson; aunts and uncles Jason (Carrie) Lyons, Eileen

Hunter, Jim Hanson, Kate (Scott) Niemann, and Peggy (Tim) Eischens; many great aunts, great uncles, and cousins, and two adorable cats, Chow Mein and Mushroom (“Mushy”).

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Roger Hanson, and although she passed before he was born, his grandmother Laura Lyons.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to the family or the following local organizations: Community Pathways of Steele County, Steele County Transitional Housing, Hospitality House of Owatonna, or Steele County Humane Society.