STOUGHTON - Thomas Dale Pellett was born on March 17, 1945, in Richland Center, Wis., to parents, Alene Ann (Sheafor) Pellett (d. August 3, 2001) and Cecil Dale Pellett (d. November 27, 1976). Tom grew up in Richland Center with his older brother, Robert. He attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. where he obtained his B.S. degree in Biology.

After graduating from the UWL in 1968, Tom was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Dixie, AD 14, stationed at San Diego, Calif. While in the Navy, he traveled to places like Japan, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. Tom was discharged in 1971 with the rank of Lieutenant in the U. S. Naval Reserve. He returned to Wisconsin to further his education at UW-La Crosse. Here he graduated with an M.S. in Fisheries Biology. He married Shahaireen (Shai) Madramootoo of Guyana, South America, who was attending UW at that time. They moved to Blacksburg, Va., then back to Wisconsin where Tom was hired by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a fisheries biologist. He retired from the DNR after 24 years of service. Family and friends were very important to Tom; he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. Tom loved to be outdoors and admired all of nature’s splendors. He was an avid fisherman and after retirement he became very passionate about fly-fishing and enjoyed many hours of tying flies in his fish room. He and Shai have also done quite a bit of travelling both within and outside of the U.S.

Tom is survived by his wife, Shai; son, Dionne Thomas Pellett; and four grandchildren, Jessica, Sarah, Joshua and Gwen. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Robert Leon Pellett (d. December 10, 2021).

Tom passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St., Stoughton, from 12 noon until 3 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026. Military Honors will take place at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care

1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.

(608) 873-4590

Thomas Dale Pellett

March 17, 1945 - December 17, 2025

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