Shawn M. Foley

Shawn M. Foley, age 46, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey suddenly on October 20, 2024, following injuries sustained in an accident.  To honor Shawn’s life, a private family service is being held at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, where full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Shawn’s family.

Shawn was born on February 23, 1978, in Iowa City, IA, a son to Benjamin G. and Penny M. (Thill) Tucker.  He was gifted with many talents which he thankfully developed throughout his life and shared with those around him.  He honorably served his country with the U.S. Army and always remembered the time he spent in Macedonia before returning home to begin his venture into private life.  He was a carpenter by trade, but those who knew Shawn best will always remember his love for music and the countless venues where he rocked the Tri-State’s as DJ Shawn Shady.  He enjoyed sharing his talents with all who would listen and he would undeniably admit that those were some of the best years of his life.

Shawn was also an all around Mr. Fix-It.  His attention to detail and ability to fix anything that was placed into his hands, especially when it came to bikes, was continually on display.  He found great joy in perfecting his skills whenever possible and never met a challenge he couldn’t beat.  Shawn was well known for his contagious sense of humor as well.  When the moment was right, or the audience seemed to be missing just the added touch of levity he had at the ready, you could bet Shawn would fill the void.  Life is difficult enough at time to not be able to laugh at it from time to time. 

It’s beyond our comprehension to understand how this pain we feel today will ever subside, or even become tolerable in time.  It simply doesn’t seem possible that Shawn has left us now and only the memories he leaves behind will be left to console us until the end of our time here on earth arrives also.  If anything positive could be gained from this tragedy we must face, it would surely be the matter of fact reminder that we should consciously tell those around us whom we love that it is so.  None of us are guaranteed another tomorrow and who knows when our last good-bye is truly the last one we get, so in honor of Shawn’s life and legacy, let’s make it our goal moving forward to say “I Love You” to all of those in our lives who we’d want to hear it if it was the last thing they had to hold on to if we were to depart suddenly from their world.  Such an easy task to achieve and such a priceless treasure to possess if it ever becomes the saddest reality some of us will have to face.  So, with broken hearts in hand and on our knees seeking peace today, we sorrowfully raise a most sincere “I Love You” up to the heaven’s in Shawn’s honor and hope that they are heard, if even as a whisper, by our beloved Shawn as he awaits our eternal reunion.  God bless and God speed Shawn and we will never forget you…not even for one single day!

Those left to cherish the memory of Shawn include,

his loving mother,

Penny Thill, Dubuque, IA;

his two children,

Kailynn Determan, Dubuque, IA,

and Teigue Huntington, Dubuque, IA;

his brother,

Casey (Elaina McIntyre) Tucker, Dubuque, IA;

his half-brother,

Joel Tucker, Cedar Rapids, IA;

his aunts and uncles,

Robert Thill, Jr., Dubuque, IA,

Marty (Dawn) Thill, Asbury, IA,

Kenneth (Rhonda) Thill, Massey Station, IA,

Kerry (Rob) Rogers, Massey Station, IA,

Kathy (Chris) Soader, Asbury, IA,

Ginger Lyons, Cedar Rapids, IA,

Gloria Hines, Cedar Rapids, IA,

Tonna Howell, Dubuque, IA,

and Todd “Ravishing Rick Rude” Revelle, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Shawn was preceded in death by his father; his grandparents; and his uncle, Jerry Thill.

In lieu of flowers, a Shawn M. Foley memorial fund has been established.

Shawn’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital along with all of the first responders with the Dubuque Fire and EMS for all of their professional and compassionate care during this difficult time. 

Shawn’s family would also ask that you please include the other driver involved in the accident in your prayers during this tragic time.

Online condolences may be shared with Shawn’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com