David B. Thomson

David B. Thomson, age 78, a resident of Wheaton, went home to heaven on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. He was born February 9, 1948, in Detroit, MI, to David C. and Margaret Thomson. Five minutes older than his twin brother, Doug, Dave delighted in being a brother to Doug and his little sister, Jean. The Thomson siblings grew up in a home that loved the Lord and faithfully served Him. Dave accepted Christ into his heart when he was nine years old at Bible camp. This decision shaped the course of his life — continually growing in his faith, loving his Savior, and living out that dedication daily until his last breath.

As a child, Dave loved to sing and played the violin. He had fond memories of growing up with a rambunctious group of neighborhood friends, many of whom stayed in touch throughout their whole lives. Dave graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit, MI where he was captain of the basketball team. He went on to Wheaton College for two years, where he met his bride of 57 years, Elizabeth Cole. They married and moved to Michigan, where he graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Communications. Throughout college he was a member of ROTC and went on to serve in the Army. During finals of Dave's senior year, his oldest daughter, Shauna, was born. Dave earned a master's degree in TV and Radio from the University of Illinois and began his career in corporate communications in Toledo, OH. His youngest daughter, Ashley, was born, and the family moved to Wheaton, IL. He worked for the insurance companies John Hancock and CNA in downtown Chicago for 20 years, and was known to spend his lunch break running along the lakefront. While at John Hancock, Dave established a partnership with the Salvation Army and helped bring the first Christmas tree to the John Hancock building — a tradition that continues today. Though successful in the corporate world, it was his heart's desire to use his gifts to serve God in ministry. Dave went on to work for Wheaton Bible Church as Director of Communication, and ended his career working alongside students in Wheaton College's career development center. Dave was an avid runner who completed over 20 marathons, running in the very first Chicago Marathon and qualifying for — and completing — the Boston Marathon. In addition to work and running, Dave was always active in his church community; teaching Sunday school, volunteering in various capacities, and remaining a faithful, longtime member of Bible studies and smaller accountability groups were all important to him.

Beyond his accomplishments and hobbies, Dave's greatest gift was his heart as a cherished husband and father. He was the kindest, most intentional husband, who adored and laughed with Beth every day for 57 years — she looks forward to joining the love of her life in heaven one day. He was an amazing, godly father — always full of joy, with a spark in his eye and a delightful sense of humor. He was known for his high integrity, thoughtfulness, and kindness to those around him. A big part of his joy was being present in his children's and grandchildren's lives, attending as many of their events as possible. He

was known for his famous oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, which he even delivered to his grandchildren's dorms. But the greatest gift he gave his family was living out his walk with the Lord. Battling Parkinson's for almost 20 years, Dave never complained, and he fought with determination to stay active in family life. His disease drew him closer to God and showed those around him how to trust Jesus in every circumstance. Every minute with Dave on earth was cherished.

He is survived by his wife, Beth; his daughters, Shauna (Chad) Thorson and Ashley (Timothy) Sambrano; his siblings, Doug (Nancy) Thomson and Jean (Roger) Litfin; his grandchildren, Hunter (Amanda) Thorson, Luke (Rachael) Thorson, Clayton (Audrey) Thorson, Molly (Jesse) Furrow, Ben (Anne Camille) Thorson, Avery Sambrano, Olivia Sambrano, and Lily Sambrano; and his 12 great-grandchildren: Mark, Kylie, Brooks, McKinley, Elsie, Evelyn, Levi, Casen, Truett, and Mackenzie, and two baby girls arriving in January. 

A visitation will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026 at Wheaton Bible Church, 27W500 North Ave, West Chicago, IL 60185, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private at Wheaton Cemetery. 

Memorial gifts may be directed to Wheaton Bible Church. 

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.