Gary A. Thom, 63, of Eau Claire, passed away on Monday, January 9, 2012 at Dove Healthcare West with his family by his side.

Gary was born February 21, 1948 in Eau Claire, WI, the son of Alvin and Clara Thom. He grew up in Foster, WI, and graduated from Osseo High School in 1966. He married Jeanne Brantner on October 9, 1971, and they later had 2 sons.

He worked for years at the Walter’s Brewery in Eau Claire, owned his own tree trimming business and ended his working years at Fuller-Speckien Funeral Home in Eau Claire. He loved fishing, hunting, playing horseshoes, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and spending time with his granddaughters. He was also quick to give people a “thumbs up”.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Jean; sons, Scott of Eau Claire and Daniel (Allison) of Chippewa Falls; his beloved granddaughters, Kiera and Alaina; mother, Clara; sisters, Alice(Gordon) Gunderson of Fall Creek and Carla (John) Brandrup of Eau Claire; the brother he never had, Thomas (Susan) Brantner; brothers and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Alvin.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at  Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701.  Pastor Kurt Jacobson of Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire will officiate.  Burial will immediately follow the service in Calvary Cemetery in Eau Claire.  Visitation will take place Friday evening at the funeral home from 5-8 pm and again, Saturday morning at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.  Friends and family are invited to sign the guestbook online at www.fullerspeckienhulke.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Gary’s family has not yet determined what organization to designate memorials to.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Dove Healthcare and Gary’s hospice nurses for the excellent care they gave him in the final weeks and months of his life.

Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.