Thomas L. Fuller

Thomas Lawrence Fuller, 93, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin entered eternal life on September 7, 2024. He died peacefully with family members at his side.  Tom was born in Robbinsdale, Minnesota on January 8, 1931 to Fred and Helen Fuller. After graduation from Robbinsdale High School in 1948, he was employed as an iron worker until he entered the United States Navy in January, 1951. Tom served aboard the Destroyer USS Gyatt DD-712 and was honorably discharged in December,1954. After attending technical school, he then was employed by the Soo Line Railroad in Minneapolis and Chicago as a Rate Analyst and Representative. In 1962 Tom began his employment at Consolidated Papers, Inc. in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin as a traffic clerk, eventually becoming Warehouse Superintendent until he retired in 1993.

On May 10, 1958, Tom married the love of his life, Jacquin (Jaci) Shirk, at St, Raphael Church in Crystal, Minnesota. The couple initially lived in the Chicago suburb of Carpentersville, Illinois from 1958 until 1962, when they moved to Wisconsin Rapids to raise their growing family. Upon their retirements, Tom and Jaci moved to Phillips, Wisconsin in 1996 and settled in Eau Claire in 2004.

Tom was devout in his faith, and was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church in Eau Claire. He was appointed Chaplin for the USS Gyatt Reunion Association and served a term as President of that Association. Deeply patriotic, Tom served on the Brackett American Legion Bever Post 550.

A natural leader, Tom’s roles over the years included Vice Chairman of the Price County, Wisconsin Republican Party; Parish President on three Catholic church councils; a term as Area Governor of Toastmasters International, and president of band and orchestra parents’ organization.

He was generous with his time and talent. Tom was a volunteer for school PTAs, at Sacred Heart Hospital, and as coach of little league baseball for many years. His love for trains was reflected in his involvement with the Wisconsin Rapids Model Railroad Club. 

Tom enjoyed camping, traveling, attending grandchildren’s activities, golfing, volunteering and working outdoors in the yard and flower garden.  He especially enjoyed hours working on his model railroad train layout. As many knew, Tom was an enthusiastic Chicago Cubs baseball and Chicago Bears football fan. He will be greatly missed by family and friend for his love, faith,  generosity, loyalty, honesty, and willingness to help others.  He loved his country and flew the American Flag daily as a reflection of his patriotism.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Helen and Fred Fuller, brother Joseph Fuller, and parents-in-law Alice and John Shirk. He is survived by his wife Jaci and their four children and 12 grandchildren: John (Dena) of Colorado Springs, Colorado and their six children, Dakota, Seth, Allie, Saige, Tauvi, and Zane; Patricia of Concord, North Carolina and her two children, Alex and Melanie (Kenneth); Mike (Lori) of River Falls, WI, and their two sons Joseph (Alicia) and Nathan; Debra (James) of Eau Claire, WI and her two sons Thomas and David.

Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Immaculate Conception, 1712 Highland Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Father Francis Thadathil officiating. Visitation will take place prior at the church from 9:30 am until the time of service. To view the funeral service virtually, please use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@immaculateconceptionec/streams

Committal service with military honors will be held 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner, Wisconsin. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be designated to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, or Immaculate Conception Church (Eau Claire, WI).

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

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