Thomas (T.J.) Bell

T.J. (Thomas) Bell, of Verona,was called to his eternal home, surrounded by his loving family and close friends, on Wednesday, June 29, 2011. He was born August 30, 1981 and was the son of Earl and Judy (Strese) Bell.T.J. was a heart transplant recipient in 1994 at the age of 13. He attended St. Paul's Lutheran School in Fort Atkinson and graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 2000. He attended and graduated from UW-Whitewater in 2005 with a double degree in psychology and sociology. T.J.was accepted into theMaster Program of Social Work at UW-Madison for the upcoming fall semester, and wasalso the recipient of the Advanced Opportunity Fellow Award. His dream was to be a social worker specializing in helping the mentally ill and the disabled. T.J.donatedhis time and talentsto American Family Children's Hospital for 5 years. He also volunteered at Off the Square Club which helped the homeless and mentally ill. In addition, TJ wasa member of the Madison Spinal Cord Injury Group and enjoyed outings and dinner with other members.
Three weeks ago TJ received his beloved service dog, Leo, from the Wisconsin Academy of Graduate Service Dogs (WAGS). The bond between the two was instantaneous and they were inseparable. Leo was much more than a service dog; he was a great friend and devoted companion.
TJwas an avid Packer fan and attended several games a season with family and friends. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends, watching movies, playing video games, andhaving football parties. T.J. loved life and his positive attitude and outlook was infectious to all who knew him.
TJ is survived by his parents, asister Katie, and numerous relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Ivan Strese, and paternal grandparents Fred and Carol Bell.
Visitation willtake place on Saturday, July 2, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 6815 Schneider Rd., Middleton, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.with funeral service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to WAGS, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, or OffThe Square Club.
A special thank you to family and friends for their support, the City of Madison paramedics at Fire Station #7, the UW Transplant team, Cardiac ICU and ER.
"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26
The Dunlap Memorial Home is assisting the family.
www.dunlapmemorialhome.com

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