On October 24, 2023, Thomas Newman Shafto, age 89, passed away peacefully at Wells Nature View with his wife of 68 years by his side. Surrounded by his loving family, Tom took his last breath knowing that he would be welcomed into the arms of Jesus.
Born on June 5, 1934, in Neptune New Jersey, Tom was one of two children born to Thomas K. and Margaret (nee Newman) Shafto. He graduated from Neptune High School in 1952 and later graduated from Graham School for Dairymen. Tom started his own poultry business at the age of ten, selling eggs, dressed chickens and turkeys. He also caponized chickens for area poultry farms. After high school he worked on the family dairy farm and was a 4-H leader.
Tom married the love of his life, Patricia Throckmorton on August 7, 1955, and continued his farming career until selling his cattle and becoming employed at Fred McDowell Road Construction. Working alongside his father and mentor, Tom would eventually fill his father’s shoes as the office manager and estimator upon his death in 1963.
Together Tom and Pat raised three children, Tom Jr., Susan and Patti. In 1969 Tom decided to move the family to Mercersburg Pennsylvania and continue doing what he loved most…farming. Tom again sold the farm and cattle and returned to New Jersey in 1972 where he worked as a licensed realtor.
Because of his love of farming, he purchased bare ground in 1976 in the small rural town of Loyal, Wisconsin and moved the family 1,200 miles to what they would eventually consider home. Partnering with his son, Tom Jr., they built their farm to what is now a large dairy operation with four generations of ownership. Tom was meticulous with a hammer and nails. His garage shed and workshop, along with other projects he constructed on the farm continue to stand the test of time.
Serving God and his church were very important throughout Tom’s life. As a youth he served as regional vice president of the Methodist Youth Fellowship in New Jersey. He was also a youth leader and lay leader and speaker. Tom and his wife were charter members of Our Father’s House, a community Christian church in Chili, Wisconsin, where he served as trustee for many years.
Tom is survived by his wife Patricia, Marshfield and his three children – Thomas (Cathy) Shafto of Loyal, Susan (Paul) Haebig of Marshfield, and Patti Shafto-Carlson of Marshfield. He is further survived by his twelve grandchildren – Karen (Matt) Bloom, Mandy (Todd) Foster, Nick (Jenna) Lindner, Michael (Lavonda) Shafto, Elizabeth (Derek) DeBrosse, Joshua (Erin) Shafto, Curtiss (Samantha) Lindner, Jon (Liza) Shafto, Ethan Shafto, Courtney Shafto, Breanna (Zach) Schuld and Erik (Sierra) Carlson, 24 great grandchildren, and nephews Paul Marine and Ray Marine.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas K. and Margaret Shafto, his sister Mary Jane (nee Shafto) Marine, and daughter at birth, Karen Suzanne Shafto.
The family would like to thank the staff at Wells Nature View and St. Croix Hospice for the exceptional care and support. A very special thank you to hospice nurse, Breanna.
Visitation will take place on Friday, November 3 from 1-4 p.m. at Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield. On Saturday, November 4, there will be an additional visitation time from 10-11 a.m. followed by the service and meal at 11 a.m. at Our Father’s House, W770 Cty Rd H, Chili, Wi. Pallbearers will be Tom’s seven grandsons. His final resting place will be at the Loyal Cemetery, surrounded by the farmland that he so loved.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Clark County Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family at this time.
Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com
Author: News Desk
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