"So sorry to hear this Deb! My thoughts are with you and your family. You have my deepest sympathy."
In loving memory of
Bruce Tommy Pells
January 21, 1953 - May 31, 2012
Sun Prairie - Bruce Tommy Pells, age 59, passed away unexpectedly on May 31, 2012 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital.
Tom was born on January 21, 1953 in Madison, the son of Melvin and Lorraine Pells.
He married Deborah Schultz on June 1, 1974 in Madison , WI and enjoyed over 37 years of marriage.
Tom worked for many years for the Water Department in Sun Prairie prior to his retirement from the Operating Engineers Local Union 139, where he worked for Speedway and Parisi Construction.
Tom enjoyed fishing, the trips to the casino and spending time with his friends, family and especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time at his cottage in Big Flats.
He is survived by his wife, Deb; a son, Andy (Annie) Pells; 2 grandchildren, Alexis and Colton Pells; his mother, Lorraine Pells; two sisters, Linda Pells (Rex Eubanks) and Jan (Andy) Wouldenberg; his mother-in-law, Norma Schultz; a brother-in-law, Michael (Jill) Schultz;and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends and his two dogs, Haylee and Buster.
He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin; his paternal grandparents Ray and Grace Pells; maternal grandparents, Lloyd and Marlyn Ash and his father-in-law, Gerald Schultz.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the family.
We would like to thank the staff at the UW Neurology department for their care and support.
The family would like to invite all of Tom's family and friends to come to a memorial visitation at the Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie on Monday, June 4, 2012 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
"COME AS YOU ARE AND SHARE YOUR STORIES"
Tributes
"My condolences to Deb and all of Tom's family. So very sad and shocked to hear of Tom's passing. Peace my friend."
"I was shocked to hear about it today on our class reunion site. It's hard to see the keys with tears in my eyes. Tom always had a smile and laugh and was a great guy to see and talk to when I ran into him. I remember the days and nights spent at his folks house when we were kids. Much too early my friend. We will miss you dearly. God bless the family in this time of great sorrow. We love ya!"
"He always seemed to be laughing or smiling. I can still hear his laugh. He also LOVED to eat! When I told my 9 yr old daughter that, she said, "Like Shaggy & Scooby ?" Yes just like that!"
"My Dearest Brother what memories we had together. The night we sat all night with Grandma Ash as she was leaving us we talked and laughed about some of the ways we terrorized the poor woman. I remember you coming into the kitchen holding a large opossum by the tail and her dancing on the table telling you that it was alive. When you took it outside it hissed and chased you back in the house. The times we spent out in Barneveld following Granpa Ash along the trout streams. You trying to teach me to ski jump and when I crashed you got me home. We spent many weekends with relatives and friends and you are loved by so many. Thank for the last few years when were close again. "
"my memories of my uncle Tom will always be on my mind. he made me my first rocking horse and toy box which i still have. He came with Gram and Gramp and us three grand kids to Florida, Disney world. It was such a good time. Getting a cabin in Minn. on the MISSISSIPPI,lots of fun and the best was at Indian Trails campground for Holloween, he dressed in a yellow chicken costume, I still laugh when I think about that weekend. And Tom I know I hurt you deeply and I am so very sorry, In my heart I have always Loved You."
"So sorry for the loss to the Pells family. My childhood memories of Tommy were the stuff of kid legend. I was warned of the dangers of 'horseplay' after Tommy was injured in the eye with a zipper as schoolmates battered each other with their coats. We grew up in the same circles,our parents grew up together. Our prayers are with the family at this time. Gods grace."
"I will never forget all the years of cleaning horse stalls and laughs we had when you guys lived on the farm. When I was having a bad day he would always make me laugh. Loved him lots and will miss him and remember him forever. Debbie and Tom were like my second parents gowing up."
"My memories of Tom go way back, back to younger days of watching Tom mow Grandma and Grandpa's yard, hauling lumber to build tree forts, riding (and repairing) bicycles, and as teen agers - roller skating. I'll always remember spooking each while coon hunting in the middle of dark weary nights near our local haunted house near Mt. Horeb. Even though we were close in age, he was one step ahead of me with the giggles, laughs, and pranks. If our brother Larry was still living today, I'm sure he'd share the same sentiments. Times with Tom were full of fun and adventure. We had lots of good memories! If only I would had been home when he stopped by in recent years - always had hope that I'd see him next visit - we will meet again! Happy Trails to you Tom!"
"We looked forward to Tom's special visits every year. His road trips included stops at Barneveld and Hollandale to visit family and friends. He loved reminiscing while looking at our photos. This year he made sure to give hugs before he left, saying "I'll see you next year." We will miss your visits Tom!"
"Condolences to the whole family for this terrible loss. "
" Tom has always been the best father-in-law I could ever have hoped for. He has always done so much for Andy, myself and his grandkids. He was always so busy and so full of life. He always made time for his grandkids. They where his pride and joy. There are many things to miss about him, but what I will miss most is coming over and not seeing my son yell "papa" and the smile on his face when he and the kids would play. We love and miss you and will always keep your memory alive and do our best to make you proud."
"My heart goes out to all the family. I loved watching you grow up with such loving parents who always took such good care of you as it showed in that big happy grin you always had. I never saw you in a bad mood. You will be missed by us all. Aunt Shirley"
"My memories of you will always be etched in my heart. Our childhood years together, the fun and laughter we all shared. The years we spent with mom and dad at the cabin as a Family will always be cherished. I will forever miss you and Love you. Your sister Jan"
"My one and only Son, you will always have a special place in my heart. I LOVE YOU MOM"
"You have my deepest sympathy, Lorraine. I drove by your place up here awhile back and thought about you. God be with you at this time of sorrow. God bless "
"Tom has always been such a kind and sweet man. He just took time to stop and visit us a week ago. Always smiling and loved a good laugh. You could see the softness of his heart. We will miss you, Tom. Know that so many love you. Aunt Joyce and Jerry"
"My brother was and still in spirit is a true example of what a man should be. Much neglected in childhood he still managed to find his way to higher achievements, always willing to forgive those that ignored or abused him , always the peace maker. Tom often helped others, worked and played hard, laughed easily. He is a man when given choices in his life did choose to try and be the best husband, father , brother and son he could be. In trying to understand why he was taken at this time , its only because the creator brings the best home first. "
"Deb,Aunt Norma,Andy and Family- We are so sorry for your loss and hope that in this time of sadness, you find comfort from all that love you. We didn't know Tom well but it was always stated what a kind caring man he was. Much love, Rhonda and Conrad Key"
"Too many to mention he was a great man and even better father. The best memories i have are at the cottage. It was our favorite place. And the smile on his face every time he saw Alexis and Colton."