Jeffrey Lewis Moore

Jeffrey Lewis Moore, age 69, died on January 12, 2024 at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, WI from complications of Lewy body dementia.
Jeff was born in Burlington, WI on June 12, 1954 to Jack and Joan (Pieri) Moore. He was raised in Rhinelander but graduated high school in Wisconsin Rapids after the family had moved. He attended UW-Madison, studying molecular biology, followed by four years of medical school (UW-Madison) and three years of family practice residency in Wausau.
During his undergraduate years, he met and fell in love with Carla Waller. They were married December 8, 1979, recently celebrating 44 years of marriage. They have three sons, Fredrick, Daniel, and Bradley.
Jeff had a sincere and devout relationship with God, placing his faith in Christ during college. That faith led him to pursue overseas missions, and after a year of seminary training at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois, his family moved to Pakistan with TEAM, as medical missionaries working in public health in the rural north. They returned to the US in 1988 and settled in Merrill, working with Family Medical Clinic, later Marshfield Clinic Merrill Center, until his retirement in 2018. Jeff had a strong conviction that his medical practice should serve the community and reflect his Christian faith. He made strong connections with his patients, enjoying their personal stories. He enjoyed the staff and clinicians he worked with, admiring their skill and dedication.
In addition to his career and family life, Jeff maintained several hobbies and areas of interest. He was an avid birder and member of the Wausau Bird Club. His astute observations, excellent hearing, and penchant for details led to a robust 'life list' of birds he had logged throughout the course of his life. He enjoyed playing the trombone throughout nearly his entire life, playing in the UW-Madison Marching Band, and later for the Merrill City Band until 2021. The stewardship of God's creation was vitally important to him. He wanted to reflect his Creator's design by enjoying the outdoors in ways that cared for it-hiking, biking (usually his recumbent!), canoeing-and was involved in organizations such as the Friends of Council Grounds State Park, The Nature Conservancy, and Cornell Lab. Additionally, he was medical advisor for the Lincoln County Health Department, advocating for a healthy community, and was a contributor to the published anthology Vaccine Science and Immunization Guideline: A Practical Guide for Primary Care after participating in a vaccine science fellowship with the AAFP for one year.
Jeff was a dedicated member of Bible Presbyterian Church in Merrill, and served as an elder and Mission Committee Chair, as well as teaching adult Sunday School for many years.
He is survived by his mother Joan "Toni" Moore, Delafield, sister Susan (Peter) Brandt, Delafield, brother David (Linda) Moore, Rigby, ID, wife Carla Moore, Merrill, and sons: Fred (Virginia) Moore, Verona, Dan (Paula) Moore, Wausau, and Brad (Dana) Moore, Wausau. Papa Jeff has 11 beloved grandchildren as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Jack F. Moore.
Jeff will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, and papa, giving richly of his time, wisdom, wit, and attention to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed, but his family celebrates his release from disease and his rejoicing with Jesus, and looks forward to seeing him again.
A sincere thanks to Kindhearted Home Care, who made him laugh and feel respected during his struggle with dementia. And deep appreciation for Bell Tower Residence staff who, with concern and respect, cared for Jeff in his final months and days. Also, a thank you to Interim Hospice who gave helpful direction at the end.
A memorial service for Jeff will begin at 11:00 AM, Friday, January 19, 2024 at Bible Presbyterian Church, Merrill. The Rev. Andy Perry will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 5 PM to 7 PM at the church and Friday at 10 AM before the service. Mid Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be made online at www.mwcs.ws.
Memorials can be directed to Bible Presbyterian Church (biblepreschurch.org), The Nature Conservancy (nature.org), Merrill City Band (merrillcityband.org), or the charity of your choosing.