Thomas “Tom” P. Sbonik, 90

Thomas “Tom” P. Sbonik, of Stevens Point, passed away Aug. 22, 2026, at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital at the age of 90.

Tom was born July 27, 1936, in Milwaukee, son of the late Edmond and Rose (Sierzchulski) Sbonik. He attended Milwaukee Boys Tech and graduated in 1954.

Following graduation, Tom bravely enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, where he served on the USS Winona along the upper Pacific Coast. During his years of service, he achieved the rank of boilerman third class and was one of six crewmates awarded a commendation for braving rough seas and saving the life of a fellow crewmate. Tom was extremely proud of his time with the Coast Guard and loved sharing stories of his adventures with his family.

Upon being discharged, Tom worked a variety of jobs while also attending UW-Milwaukee, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. During this time, he also played the accordion in a band with friends, even playing for weddings and other small events. After graduation, Tom went on to work for the Milwaukee Police Department as a motorcycle patrolman and later as a squad patrolman. Additionally, Tom was an active member of the police force shooting team. On Dec. 21, 1965, Tom and a fellow patrolman were critically injured on duty. They were later awarded a Class “B” Citation for outstanding and courageous service. Later, Tom moved to a small farm near Marion, where he taught at St. Rose Catholic School in Clintonville for a year before becoming a substitute teacher for area schools.

On June 4, 1982, Tom married the love of his life and best friend, Cheryl Anderson, of Clintonville. Together they relocated to Hayward for four years before settling in Stevens Point, where they raised their family.

Tom enjoyed his career as a patrolman, which complemented one of his favorite pastimes: firearms. He was proud to be a member of the Stevens Point Rifle and Pistol Club, and later, the Wood County Rifle and Pistol Club, and was a lifetime member of the NRA. He enjoyed reloading his own ammunition and often participated in local shooting competitions, winning many awards over the years. Tom was a member of the American Legion and proudly served on the Honor Guard.

Tom also enjoyed spending time outdoors, including riding his motorcycle, doing yard work, cutting and stacking wood, and lifting weights. He loved to keep busy, even well into his 80s. Tom had a soft spot in his heart for animals. Over the years, he loved and cared for dogs and cats, and even cows and horses. He had a big heart and loved deeply, especially his family, who will miss him terribly.

Tom is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his sons, Matthew (Kassandra), Michael (Lisa), Christopher (Ray Jabar) and Timothy Sbonik; his daughters, Amber Sbonik and Michelle Machkovech; and his granddaughter, Alaina Sbonik. He is further survived by his sister, Carol Wilmoth; a niece, Lisa Popp; and many more beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Rose; a brother-in-law, Dale Wilmoth; and two grandsons, Austin M. Sbonik and Christopher T. Sbonik.

For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly suggests, in lieu of flowers, either an act of kindness be done or a donation be made to a charity of your choosing in Tom’s honor.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception, 7176 Esker Road, Custer. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery.

Shuda Funeral Chapel is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.