Gary Thoms

Gary Thoms, age 69 of the Town of Belle Plaine, Shawano County, died peacefully in his daughter’s arms, April 17, 2018 at his home.

Gary was born on September 2, 1948 in Milwaukee, the son of the late Elmer and Ruth (Wagner) Thoms. He grew up in the Milwaukee area and married Kathleen Tokarski in 1968. The couple had a daughter Carrie and later divorced. Gary faithfully served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He served one tour in Vietnam and volunteered for another and spent two more years at Camp Pendleton, CA before he was honorably discharged in 1974 earning the rank of Corporal and a rifle marksman. Gary was married to Robin Ortez which ended in divorce. Gary’s working career was spent as a security guard for various locations in Milwaukee. He made the Milwaukee Green Sheet once for giving money to homeless people he knew from working his beat. Second time for a poem Gary authored and published about his return home from service that was proudly read on a radio broadcast in Milwaukee allowing Gary to share his stories and thoughts with other veterans who called in to the show. Later, Gary moved to his current residence in Clintonville where he enjoyed caring for his animals, fishing, and watching Green Bay Packer games with his daughter on the phone. He was a great artist, talented singer, and played the harmonica like a professional. Gary liked his scratch-off tickets and looked forward to his monthly casino trips as well. He was the kind of guy who jumped to help anyone, had the heart of a child, and was very funny. His heart would have been warmed to know how many people loved him. His daughter would like to thank you all for sharing your memories with her. Gary was his daughter & granddaughter’s “happy place” and hero.

Survivors include: His Daughter: Carrie Kuehl, Trempealeau, WI.

Granddaughter: Shylo Stuttgen, Trempealeau.

Brothers: Donald (Janie) Thoms & Frank Thoms.

Half-Siblings: David Heineken, Diane Rupeck, & Jani Cavello.

Also many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Daniel (Judy) Thoms, his aunts Doris & June, and good friends Rick & Ronald.

To respect Gary’s wishes a military honors service will be held Monday June 4, 2018 at the Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, 53 N. Main Street, Clintonville. The service will be conducted by members of the Clintonville American Legion Post #63, VFW Post #664, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63. Friends may gather at the funeral home just prior to the service. www.eberhardtstevenson.com

Gary’s daughter, and granddaughter would like to express a sincere thank you to family and friends for all their support. Thank you to Todd Schmidt (Brady) and family for caring for Gary before his daughter arrived, for helping fulfill his wishes, and for your honesty, protection, care, and compassion. Also thank you to ThedaCare at Home Hospice for caring for Gary and to Marsha and the employees at Bmo for reaching out.