Thomas Sheldon

Thomas Kelley Sheldon, born January 1937 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, died 7/21/2022.  Tom graduated from West High School, class of 1955. He married his high school sweetheart, Donna (Weis) Sheldon, they recently celebrated their 64th anniversary.
Tom graduated from Michigan Tech as a metallurgical engineer (1959) and from the Wharton School with an MBA (1965).
He entered the Army on January 1, 1960. His 30 years of service included 14 years overseas, including two tours in Vietnam, 10 years in Germany, and 2 years in Turkey. The year he spent learning the finer points of running a railroad with the Penn Central railroad was one of his most unique assignments. Among his awards and decorations are 2 Legions of Merit, 3 bronze stars, and the Air Medal.
Thirty years, numerous friendships, and 16 moves later, he retired in December 1989 to Camp Lake, Iron River, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, to enjoy his passion for the outdoors and fly fishing.
He is survived by his wife, Donna, and his daughters, Sandra, Susan, Patricia, and Nancy (Jack) Bertino, and two grandchildren, John Bertino and Jacquelyn Bertino.  He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Sally (Tom) Wysocki and Terri (Gene) Peruzzi.
His lifelong curiosity resulted in friends from all walks of life. He was interested in anyone willing to share their story with him. He shared his passions and sarcastic wit in the many letters he wrote, including his own self-made, “Cheep” greeting cards.
He read widely and shared his favorites with his family and friends, or anyone who expressed an interest.
He introduced his daughters to art from a young age, taking them to galleries, museums, flea markets, and art fairs. He corresponded with many of the artists whose art he purchased.
Tom also loved music. He regularly scoured record stores to hear what was new, interesting, and musically complex, regardless of genre. He shared his passion with many of his friends and family. Most can speak to having received an unexpected CD in the mail by a group they had never heard of.
He loved word, math, and logic puzzles, as well as games of trivia.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Iron River Animal Shelter or Trout Unlimited.