Dr. Wallace R. “Wally” Eagle, 81, a retired veterinarian who founded Glen Ellyn Animal Hospital 50 years ago, died Saturday in his home in Bolingbrook.
Dr. Eagle, who came from a family of veterinarians, specialized in treating small animals, especially dogs and cats.
“He loved working with animals and with people,” said his daughter, Debra.
Dr. Eagle opened Glen Ellyn Animal Hospital in 1948, four years after receiving his degree in veterinary medicine from Middlesex University in Waltham, Mass. Before founding the hospital, he worked for the Illinois Department of Agriculture and opened a Wheaton veterinary clinic, which he operated for two years.
“He was one of the few small-animal veterinarians in the western suburbs,” said Dr. David Clayton, a veterinarian and former colleague who became co-owner of Glen Ellyn Animal Hospital after Dr. Eagle retired in 1972.
Dr. Eagle recognized the strong emotional ties related to his work, Dr. Clayton said.
“He always wanted us to realize the compassion that existed between owners and their pets,” Dr. Clayton said.
Dr. Eagle was well-known throughout the community, friends and family said, and it was not uncommon for people to stop and ask him questions about their pets, even if he had never treated the animals. In the grocery store or on the street, someone might inquire about what to do for a dog that wouldn’t quit scratching or a cat that wouldn’t eat.
“He’d always stop and answer,” said his daughter, Debra.
Dr. Eagle was born in Sioux Falls, S.D., and graduated from Savannah High School in Savannah, Mo. His father and five uncles were veterinarians. His older brother, Thomas, also became a veterinarian.
Dr. Eagle was a life member of the Medinah Black Horse Troop and rode in four Rose Bowl Parades and three presidential inaugural parades.
He was chairman of the Illinois State Board of Veterinary Examiners.
Other survivors include a son, W. Robert II; a stepdaughter, Joan Staby; three stepsons, John Behrens, Norman McDougall and Gregg Behrens; two brothers, Fred and Dr. John; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Leonard Memorial Home, 565 Duane St., Glen Ellyn, where a Masonic service will be held at 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in First Presbyterian Church, 715 N. Carlton Ave., Wheaton.
