Shawn Wesley Lauer, a Wilsonville resident, passed away January 18, 2026, at the age of 52.
Shawn was born January 30, 1973, in Melvindale, Michigan, to Dennis and Barbara (Schwede) Lauer. At age 12, his family moved to Oregon, where he grew up surrounded by the outdoors, family, and adventure. In his younger years, Shawn loved racing motocross, a passion that showed his fearless spirit and love for excitement early on. He treasured the memories he made with his parents and sisters, Sherry and Tammy, and those early family years remained close to his heart throughout his life. He graduated from Canby High School and later earned his Bachelor’s in Management Science from Park University.
On January 20, 2002, Shawn entered the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country for 12 years as a Hospital Corpsman Third Class (HM3). His service took him around the world, including duty stations in Coronado, California; Yokosuka, Japan; and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he completed his final tour. He served as a Field Medical Service Technician and instructor, forming lifelong friendships with those he served beside.
Shawn was highly respected in the Navy and received multiple commendations for his performance and dedication, including five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, three Navy Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal. These honors reflect his leadership, professionalism, and the trust placed in him by his fellow service members and command. He was honorably discharged in 2016.
After returning to civilian life, Shawn continued his education and earned his Master of Business Administration from Portland State University in 2019. He then built a successful career in healthcare administration, where his natural love for people, generosity, and loyalty made him deeply valued by colleagues and patients alike.
Shawn’s greatest joy was people, especially his family. In recent years, he cherished the time spent with his daughter, Kristyn, and his grandchildren, Julian, Jayce, Jacoby, and Jamison. He loved being part of their lives, creating memories, sharing laughs, and simply being together. Those moments meant everything to him.
Among friends, family, and fellow sailors, Shawn was known as a big-hearted man who took life’s punches and kept moving forward with a positive attitude, a funny story, and a joke ready to make others laugh. He was thoughtful, the kind of person who would reach out just to check in, and someone you could always count on. When you were loved by Shawn, you felt it — without a doubt. He stood by those he cared about through every season of life, both the happiest and the hardest.
His presence brought comfort, humor, and strength to so many, and his absence leaves an immeasurable hole in the hearts of those who loved him.
He is survived by his mother, Barbara Lauer; his daughter, Kristyn; his sisters, Sherry Lauer and Tammy (David) Chase; his grandchildren, Julian, Jayce, Jacoby, and Jamison; his nieces, Tiffany, Tonya, and Tasha; and his nephew, Taylor. He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis.
Shawn will be remembered for his loyalty, his humor, his generous heart, and the way he made people feel seen, supported, and loved.