Thomas (Thom) Herman Valley, affectionately known as “Grandpa Church," "Grandpa Exercise,” and “Jampa,” lived an abundantly full life. Thomas was born on April 18, 1952 in Eau Claire, WI. to his loving parents, Randall and Mary Valley. Thomas spent his first 18 years living in Fall Creek, WI. and was raised there with his 7 younger siblings. He was proud to have been a Fall Creek Cricket, and his picture can still be found in the High School trophy case. Many of his favorite stories involve his brothers and sisters, and his love for being their big brother was always evident.

Thomas married Bonnie Hong on January 8, 1972 and they raised 4 daughters together while living all over the country. Thomas was a hardworking man and built his medical career while still being a young father to 4 daughters. Thomas served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years before he was accepted into P.A. school. After completing P.A. school in 1980, he returned to the U.S. Air Force where he achieved the rank of Captain. He retired from the Air Force in 1991 and then worked for Mayo Clinic Health System until his retirement. He also received his PHD in Healthcare and took pride (rightfully so) in the care he offered his patients. Thom made countless friendships during his career and kept in contact with many of them. When he wasn't making new memories with friends and family, he loved to reminisce. Favorite stories involved “Buzzy” Miller, his sidekick since youth. On July 28, 2017, Thomas married Tamara Shuebel at St. Jude Catholic Church in New Auburn, WI. Thomas and Tammy shared a deep love of the Catholic faith.

If you had the privilege of meeting Thom, then you most certainly heard him talk with pride about his 4 daughters or his cherished grandchildren. Thom found the good in all they did on the field, classroom, court and stage. He beamed with pride and had the gift of making each grandchild feel special, loved and adored. One of Thom’s greatest qualities was his excitement for the “little things” in life. He appreciated his favorite song playing on the radio, a home cooked meal, a smile from a grandchild, planning a good surprise, giving gifts and of course watching the Wisconsin Badgers. Thomas’ love for life brought him and his family to countless sporting events and other adventures across the world. He never missed an event of his grandchildren, always there as their biggest fan.

Thomas is preceded in death by his loving parents, Randall and Mary Valley, his brother Mitchell Valley and an infant daughter.

He is survived by his wife: Tamara Valley: His daughters: Trisha Studer (Scott) of Pine Island, MN., Christa Schommer (Andrew) of Rice Lake, WI., Katina Valley of Chippewa Falls, WI., and Tommi Smeltzer (Justin) of Mondovi, WI. Stepchildren: Haley Lynch (Travis) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dylan Sieme of Chippewa Falls, WI. His Grandchildren: Garrett, Mallory and Jack Thomas Studer. Tayte, Harper and Presley Schommer. Lyla and Baron Smeltzer. Benton, Elias, Barek, and Adrielle Lynch. Brothers: Randall Valley (Vicki) of Mountain Home ID., Jack Valley of Cameron, WI. and Brian Valley of Boise, ID.. Sisters: Mary (Teri) Crosby (Robert) of Minneapolis, MN., Mary (Kelli) Rasmussen (Bruce) of Barron, WI. and Michelle (Micki) Lorenz (Chris) of Tea, SD. As well as many loved nieces and nephews.

Thomas’ daughters would like to thank his wife, Tamara Valley for the loving care she gave him during his illness, she was a blessing to him in his time of pain. His family would also like to thank the amazing staff at Dove Healthcare in Eau Claire WI., that were “angels” to him during his last week on earth.

A visitation will be held for Thomas on Tuesday, July 1st from 4-7 PM with the recitation of the Rosary by the Knights of Columbus Goldsmith Council #974 at 4:00 PM at the Horan Funeral Home, 420 Bay Street, Chippewa Falls, WI. Those able to come to the visitation are invited to wear UW Badger apparel or red (he would love this!). There will be a Christian vigil service at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

The funeral mass will take place the following day, Wednesday July 2nd at 11:00 AM at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 117 Allen Street, Chippewa Falls, WI. with a luncheon to follow. An Interment will be held at Wayside Cemetery, 90 South 18th Street, Barron, WI. following the luncheon. Military rites will be conducted at the graveside.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

Funeral services for Thomas H. Valley were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls.

Rev. Daniel Sedlacek was celebrant of the funeral Mass assisted by Mass server, Mike Korger. Interment was in Wayside Cemetery in Barron. Military rites were conducted by the Barron American Legion, VFW and AMVETS.

Music during the Mass was provided by Mary Schwetz and Mike Renneke. A eulogy before Mass was given by Garrett Studer. Readings were given by Harper and Tayte Schommer. Gift bearers were Presley Schommer, Lyla Smeltzer and Mallory Studer.

Casket bearers were Tayte Schommer, Baron Smeltzer, Garrett and Jack Thomas Studer, Jack Valley and Randall Valley, II.

Monday afternoon the Knights of Columbus Goldsmith Council #974 led by Rev. Timothy Oudenhoven recited the rosary and Monday evening Rev. Sedlacek led the family, relatives and friends in a Christian vigil service both at the funeral home.