Thomas T. Cota, 88, of Gillett, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026.
Tom was born Dec. 16, 1937, to the late Ted and Mildred (Hohn) Cota in Oconto. He graduated from Gillett High School with the class of 1955 and then served two years in the Army.
On July 8, 1961, Tom married Janet Zima at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Krakow. Tom began his banking career as a teller at Suring State Bank in the 1960s and then as a cashier at the State Bank of Green Valley. He returned to his roots at the Suring State Bank and served as the last president before it was bought out. Tom then ended his career as the vice president of First National Bank in Suring.
Tom was very active in the community, serving on many church and civic organizations, including the Community Memorial Hospital board. He was a member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans and the American Legion. Tom was also a 3rd and 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of St. John Catholic Church in Gillett. He greatly enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially at the family hunting cabin on the Rat River and at the Shabodock Shack.
Tom is survived by his two children, Dan, of Krakow, and Linda (Mark) Malkin, of Middleton; sister, Judy, of Green Bay; brother, Mark (Kay), of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Tim (Nancy) Zima, of Green Valley; sister-in-law, Sharon Zima, of Pulaski. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; parents; father- and mother-in-law, Joseph and Sophie Zima; brother-in-law, Bob Zima.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at St. John Catholic Church in Gillett from 9 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at noon with Father Antonio De Los Santos officiating. Military honors will follow the service.
Tom will be interred at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery beside Jan in the spring.
Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Serenity Gardens, Unity Hospice, Gillett Area Ambulance Service, Bellin Hospital and St. Clare Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Tom and his family during their time of need.
