Thomas Shales

Thomas R. Shales, 60, of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at Woodland Court under Asera Care Hospice.

Tom was born November 13, 1949 in Kankakee , IL to Robert and Alice (Smalley) Shales. He married Ada Shales on January 7, 1972 in Rockford IL . She survives.

Tom attended Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford , IL , graduating in 1967. He went on to UW Platteville, where he graduated in December of 1971. From there, Tom earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from the University of Illinois . He was employed as a veterinarian at Merrill Veterinary Clinic from 1979 – 1995. Tom then owned and operated Dr. Tom’s Animal Heath Center until retiring due to health issues in 2003. Tom enjoyed traveling, fishing, and camping. He enjoyed being with people but especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Tom will be remembered for his wit and humor and especially his compassion towards animals.

Survivors include his wife, Ada; father, Robert Shales, Grand Junction, CO; 2 children: Christopher (Melanie) Shales, Glenview, IL and Erin “Lizzie” Shales, Eau Claire; 2 brothers: Paul (Daraleen) Shales, Rota, Spain, and David Shales, Grand Junction, CO; 1 nephew: Zachary, Grand Junction, CO; 3 nieces: Megan Shales, Nashua, NH, Hannah (Patrick) Marcotti, Providence, RI, and Jenna (Josh) Shales, Providence, RI. Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Alice.

Services will be held Saturday, February 13 at 6:00 PM at Bible Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be from 2:00 until the time of service, also at the church. The Rev. Robert Smallman will officiate. The family has requested donations go to the Diabetes Foundation or to a German Shepherd rescue organization. Waid Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com .