Thomas Gillette, age 90, of Wisconsin Rapids and formerly of Vesper passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.
Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, April 6, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vesper. Rev. Ryan Anderson will officiate. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services on Monday at the church.
Tom was born May 17, 1935 in Madison, WI to Harry and Jane (Meier) Gillette. He attended Tomahawk High School, where he took pride in participating in the marching band and color guard. He served his country in the United States Army during the Cold War. He married Verjeanne “Virgie” Gillette on June 22, 1957 in Pine City, MN. They lived in Tomahawk before eventually settling in Vesper where they raised their two children. Tom and Virgie celebrated 55 wonderful years of marriage.
He cherished traveling with his wife in their camper, creating lasting memories together on the open road. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting deer locally and made numerous trips to Wyoming and Colorado to hunt deer and elk, often alongside friends and family. He also enjoyed fishing. Deeply interested in his roots, he spent time researching his family genealogy. A devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church for many years, he lived his faith quietly and faithfully. He had a special love for all of his dogs and treasured time spent with loved ones, especially during family Christmas celebrations.
Tom is survived by one son, Kirk (Mary) Gillette of Vesper and their children: Chelsea (Jasen) Cummings, Matt (Marki) Gillette and their children Grady and Jaden (and one on the way), and Jordan Gillette; one daughter, Lisa (Mark) Cychosz and their children: Allison (Brandon) Nielsen and their son Matthias, Eric (Naomi) Cychosz, and Noah Cychosz; and extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Verjeanne; brothers Mike Gillette and infant brother Danny Gillette; sister-in-law Barbara Gillette; nephew Tim Gillette; and in-laws Paul and Irene Zabel.
A special thank you to the compassionate palliative care and ICU nurses at Marshfield Medical Center for their exceptional care, kindness, and support.
I lieu of flowers donations may be made to the South Wood County Humane Society or St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sigel, WI.
