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Zale, Thomas Richard

Thomas Richard Zale, age 87, WWII Marine Corps Veteran, beloved husband of Paula Ursula (nee Werges); loving father of Dr. Kenneth (Kathy) Zale, John (Debbie) Zale and Anne (Dr. David) Townsend; devoted grandfather of Dr. Brian (Amy) Zale, Kimberly (Michael) Hughes, Scott (Megan) Zale, Eric Zale, Paul (Kate) Townsend, Allison Zale, Laura Townsend, Emily Townsend and Thomas J. Zale; cherished great-grandfather of Michael Hughes, Cooper Zale and Sydney Zale. 

Tom was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. After serving in the US Marine Corp in WWII he returned to Chicago and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from DePaul University, a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Loyola University and became an Educator. He served the community of Burbank, a suburb of Chicago, at Reavis High School, first as a Math teacher and Golf Coach. Later, he became Math Department Chairman and Director of Adult Evening School. After retirement from the Public School System, Tom taught Mathematics at Marist Catholic High School. 

The first time Tom came to Waupaca was in 1958 with his new Bride, Paula who had ties to the Chain-O-Lakes since 1941. He loved the woods and clear waters and in 1978 they purchased a cottage on Long Lake. With their growing family, they needed more room. In 1982 their son Ken and his family were fortunate when the adjoining cottage went up for sale. The Zale Compound was born. Also in 1982, the original cottage was carted away and replaced with “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” and the rest is history. Tom also became involved in organizations concerning the “Chain” and soon he became the auditor of the Chain-O-Lakes Association. As a couple, Tom and Paula for 35 years have been acting as Neighborhood co-chairmen for the Lakes Association. Tom also enjoyed daily walks. After a heart attack in 1984, he walked three miles a day, seven days a week along Butternut and Long Cove Roads. Family and friends from near and far have enjoyed the wonders of fishing, boating, swimming and just relaxing on the patio or shores of Long Lake. After their retirement in 1987, Tom and Paula spent many months of the year enjoying their second home and their wonderful friends in Waupaca.

 
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